Green Institute proposes publicly owned supermarkets to cut grocery costs

The Green Institute, a think tank led by former Greens politician Max Chandler-Mather, has proposed publicly owned supermarkets in Australia.

It says the idea could save families thousands of dollars on groceries.

An opinion writer argues against the proposal, drawing on childhood visits to East Germany, where the writer recalls shortages and spoiled food in state-run shops.

The writer says profit encourages businesses to provide plentiful, quality goods.

The column also argues that when money is less important, access to goods can depend more on power and personal connections.

It cites privileges for senior officials in communist countries, including preferential access to goods, health care and housing.

The debate is about whether public ownership could lower grocery costs without creating problems with supply or fair access; no next steps for the proposal are given.