MP angry over baby formula mark-up

FAR Northern MP is outraged after a tin of baby formula was marked up more than three times its original value at a local store.

A photo of a 900g tin of S-26 Gold Newborn formula (right) has been shared nearly 2000 times on social media after it was snapped on sale for $85 at See Hop General Store at Thursday Island on Christmas Day.

The product usually retails on the mainland for between $20-25.

Marsat Bin Doraho, who posted the photo, wrote that the store was the only one open on the island on December 25.

“Some of these shops on Thursday Island need to be investigated,” he said.

“And I don’t think freight is that much that you have to triple – yes triple – your prices.”

Cook MP Cynthia Lui said the high prices of many goods, including baby formula, in the region was unacceptable.

“I think this is the reality of living in a remote community – this is what people have to face in remote communities,” she said.

“But $85 (for baby formula) is beyond measurable.

“I guess it’s even more disappointing that it’s baby formula and I think it needs to be investigated.

“In terms of affordability, that is not affordable.”

The newly elected Labor MP, who is the first Torres Strait Islander elected to office in Australia, said she would speak to Indigenous Affairs Minister Jackie Trad about the high pricing of basic goods in the region.

“I think this shows the major gaps that still exist up here,” she said.

See Hop Trading Pty Ltd did not respond to a request for comment.