Government commits to Dairy Code changes

The Federal Government has said it will implement all eight recommendations from the second review of Australia’s Dairy Code, aimed at improving fairness and transparency between dairy farmers and processors.

The mandatory code, introduced in 2020, regulates conduct between farmers and processors and provides protections around fair trading and transparency across the dairy supply chain.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins says the recommendations will provide greater flexibility and clarity for farmers and processors, while improving understanding of the code’s requirements.

A review completed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in December found the Dairy Code continues to operate largely as intended, and has improved dealings between farmers and processors.

The Government has begun work on implementing the recommendations.

Australia’s dairy industry was worth five-point-nine-six billion dollars in 2024-25 and supports around 30,000 jobs nationally.

Ms Collins says the Government wants the industry to continue growing while ensuring greater fairness and transparency in how milk is purchased.