No milquetoast muppet: ACCC unveils dairy code of conduct

As part of a $1.8 million contribution to its Agriculture Unit, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will establish a Dairy Consultative Committee to support the Australian dairy industry. The committee will be led by an independent chairperson with knowledge of the dairy industry.

“We are committed to supporting a fairer and sustainable Australian dairy industry and the great people who work within it. The committee and its chair will ensure there is a strong voice for the dairy industry during the implementation of the mandatory code of conduct and once it is in operation,” said Senator Bridget McKenzie, Minister for Agriculture.

In 2019, the government announced the implementation of a mandatory code of conduct to govern the relationships between farmers and processors. Since then, there have been two rounds of consultation regarding the code of conduct, including 18 face-to-face meetings across dairy regions.

The Dairy Consultative Committee will inform the ACCC’s enforcement of the mandatory code of conduct and other activities to bring about industry compliance and awareness. Regulations for the mandatory code of conduct will continue to be drafted in the form of an exposure draft, after which a third round of industry consultation will begin gathering feedback to give the ACCC up-to-date and relevant advice.

The introduction of a Dairy Specialist role in the Agriculture Unit will provide additional expertise and raise industry awareness about the mandatory code of conduct, fulfilling an election commitment. The new committee will comprise peak bodies within the sector, industry associations and industry advisors.

“The Liberal and Nationals Government is a strong backer of our dairy industry and will further strengthen the ACCC’s focus on the sector through the committee and the existing experience of the ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh and the ACCC Dairy Specialist role,” McKenzie said.

To contact the ACCC about issues concerning the dairy industry, email: AgricultureUnit@accc.gov.au.

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