To the Honourable President and Members of the Senate,

We, the undersigned citizens of Australia, urge the establishment of "The Grocery Subsidy Scheme" (GSS) to address the critical issue of food security and grocery affordability.

With 77% of households experiencing grocery stress and 3.7 million families listing grocery bills as a major financial burden, many Australians are struggling to meet basic needs.

Government initiatives have included funding for consumer transparency and inquiries into the grocery sector, yet grocery prices continue to rise significantly.

In January 2024, the average grocery bill for the average Australian was $191.66 per week; by January 2025, it increased to $213.64, an additional annual cost of $1,142.96. This situation mirrors findings from a similar inquiry in 2008, highlighting stagnation in addressing these issues.

While the government allocates substantial funds to housing, education, childcare, and health, grocery affordability remains significantly underfunded. Current measures are inadequate to alleviate the financial strain many Australians face.

The Australian government funded childcare to the amount of $3.36B in the March 2024 quarter. (Source - Australian Government Department of Education, "Child Care Subsidy data report - March quarter 2024). A similar amount of funding could fund the GSS for three years!

Support the GSS: a transparent, accountable initiative that ensures every government dollar directly provides savings on groceries for Australians, not the supermarkets! It promises real value for money, boosts the economy by reinvesting more than double government funding, and sparks competition to challenge the Woolworths–Coles duopoly—driving more savings for households. By backing the GSS, Australia can reaffirm its position as a nation of innovators on the global stage.

We advocate for the GSS to relieve financial burdens, combat inflation, and ensure all Australians have access to adequate food. Let’s unite and take action! Sign and share this petition to prioritize food security for all. Together, we can make a difference.

People matter!