Safe Food Victoria Urged to Protect Dairy Industry Interests

The Victorian Farmers Federation United Dairyfarmers of Victoria says transparent governance and strong accountability will be essential as the new Safe Food Victoria authority commences operations.

VFF UDV President Bernie Free has congratulated inaugural Chief Executive Mike Gooey on his appointment, while acknowledging the industry still has concerns about the merger of Dairy Food Safety Victoria into the new authority.

Mr Free says the organisation wants the six million dollars collected through dairy industry fees to remain ring-fenced for dairy food safety, arguing the money was paid by farmers and processors for that purpose.

The VFF UDV is also calling for advisory committees to be established quickly to ensure industry expertise remains central to regulatory decision-making.

Mr Free says the group looks forward to working with Safe Food Victoria and government to support a strong future for Victoria's dairy industry.