For the six-months to the beginning of January 2000, the company has reported profit after tax and abnormal items of $216.5 million, up almost 22 per cent on the previous corresponding period.

Yet residents of Cabramatta are still paying a $2 deposit to take Woolworths shopping trolleys out of its Cabramatta supermarket. They must then wheel the trolley all the way back inside the supermarket to earn their refund.

Woolworth’s justification is that trolleys are expensive to replace.

"The problem of missing trolleys is everywhere, not just Cabramatta, but I know for a fact we are one of a few in Australia that has this type of deposit system" said Clr Ngo.

"This is grossly unfair on loyal local residents"

Yet after two faxes and eight phone calls to Woolworths General Manager Customer Service, I still can’t get a meeting to discuss this issue – all they are saying is it’s under review"

Meanwhile, this matter has dragged on for almost three months" said a frustrated Clr Ngo.

Clr Ngo is considering taking the matter up with the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC).

"To the residents who have complained to me, I promise, if there’s a way to force Woolworths to re-consider this discriminatory policy, I will find it!" he concluded.