GroceryWatch and its related measures are meant to satisfy the expectation the prime minister built up during the election campaign that Labor would do something to bring down the cost of living. But as in the case of FuelWatch this exercise is more likely than not to come back and bite him on the proverbial.

Pat Walker has had responsibility for the controversial Fuel Watch petrol price-monitoring scheme. Assistant Treasurer Chris Bowen confirmed today that Mr Walker’s departure would take effect by October.