Competition and fair trading in the dairy industry

A series of public forums is being held across the country so dairy farmers can share any concerns they may have about competition and fair trading directly with Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) commissioners.

The forums are part of the ACCC’s public consultation for its Dairy Inquiry, which is examining competition between milk processors, contracts between processors and farmers, global supply markets and the profitability of dairy farms.

“We are interested in hearing from farmers on a range of topics, including options for selling milk in different regions, the transparency of how farm gate milk prices are calculated and contracting practices in the industry,” ACCC Commissioner Mick Keogh said.

“We are attending major dairy production regions in each state. I look forward to meeting farmers and hearing their views. If there are farmers who cannot attend but want to have their say, I’d encourage them to call or email us.”

A summary of the issues discussed at the forums will be published on the ACCC website; however, individuals’ names will not be used.

The forums will be held:

• Monday, 6 February — Toowoomba, Qld
• Tuesday, 7 February, — Taree, NSW
• Tuesday, 14 February — Traralgon, Vic
• Monday, 27 February — Warrnambool, Vic
• Tuesday, 28 February — Shepparton, Vic
• Thursday, 16 March — Bunbury, WA
• Monday, 20 March — Hahndorf, SA
• Wednesday, 22 March — Burnie, Tas

Contact details, and further information on the forums and the Dairy Inquiry, are available on the ACCC website. The venues and times for the forums will also be provided at this link shortly.