Federal Nationals Leader David Littleproud has called on Woolworths to reverse its decision to axe Norco milk from 90 of its stores.
The Lismore-based Norco, established in 1895, is a 100% Australian farmer-owned dairy co-operative with more than 300 active members on close to 200 dairy farms in northern NSW and south-east Queensland.
Norco’s Lismore factory, devastated in the floods of two years ago, reopened last November after a rebuild costing around $100 million dollars.
Woolworths has confirmed the company will no longer sell Norco milk in its Metro stores as they “tailor our Metro store ranges to local demand.”
Nationals Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, slammed the decision.
“They don’t like Australia Day. They don’t support our region. Please don’t support them,” he said.
Mr Littleproud said Woolworths’ actions are a reflection of the company’s moral values and compass.
“What makes this even worse is that while they (Norco) were out of production, Woolworths actually sourced their one litre tub of ice cream for their home brand and their ice cream sticks from Slovenia, New Zealand, and Spain. There was no need for that. There were already Australian suppliers that could have taken that,” Mr Littleproud said.
“For Woolworths to go somewhere else is a true reflection of the moral values and compass that Woolworths actually has. I just say to Woolworths, have a good hard look at yourself. You’re making some pretty dumb decisions at the moment.
“To hit a town that’s on its knees already and to do it in the way you have, instead of supporting it like the rest of the nation has, it really is a true reflection of the moral compass of Woolworths and what you have become,” Mr Littleproud said.
