Andrew Robb, Federal Member for Goldstein, called for the website to be shut down in September 2008. It took the Rudd Labor Government $6.6 million to come to the same conclusion.

 

“In the lead up to the 2007 Federal Election, Mr Rudd led Bayside residents to believe he could lower grocery prices.

 

“But his political stunt has achieved nothing. Instead Mr Rudd has simply wasted taxpayer money,” Mr Robb said.

 

Grocery Choice was launched in August 2008. On commencement, the number of hits on the website was 3 million per month. By November 2008 it had dropped markedly to just over 100,000 hits per month and by April 2009 it was just over 60,000 hits per month.

 

“From day one it was clear Grocery Choice was never going to provide timely and accurate information which would benefit consumers.

 

“Goldstein was located in the defined area of ‘Inner Melbourne South East’ which encompassed over 25 suburbs from Beaumaris, to Burwood, to South Yarra.

 

“Hampton shoppers were unable to know whether the documented prices were just down the road or some 18 kilometres away in Burwood,” Mr Robb said.

 

Grocery Choice follows in the failed footsteps of Fuel Watch, another Rudd Labor Government initiative which died a natural death in Parliament when it was realised the program would simply increase petrol prices.

 

“Both projects defied common sense – and now both have met their inevitable fate.

 

“In the midst of a global financial crisis the Rudd Labor Government is simply throwing cash around like confetti.

 

“Labor has lost control of the nation’s finances,” Mr Robb said.