August 7, 2019
A Dairy Consultative Committee is being set up by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to provide a voice for the industry during the implementation of a mandatory code of conduct.
Federal Agriculture Minister Senator Bridget McKenzie said the committee would be led by an independent chairperson with a strong knowledge of the dairy industry.
“The ACCC will seek nominations from a range of backgrounds and industries within the sector including peak bodies, industry associations, and industry advisors to form the committee,” Senator McKenzie said.
The Federal Government announced earlier this year that it would introduce a mandatory code of conduct to govern relationships between dairy farmers and processors.
There have already been two rounds of consultation on the code, including face-to-face meetings in dairy regions.
A third round of industry consultation will be held in later this year.
“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,” Senator McKenzie said.
“This will inform the ACCC’s enforcement of the mandatory code of conduct and other activities to bring about industry compliance and awareness.”
The ACCC has also established a Dairy Specialist role in its Agriculture Unit to provide extra expertise and to raise industry awareness about the mandatory code of conduct.
The Federal Government is willing to set up a “voice” for dairy farmers to consult on legislation which affects them but is running scared about a “voice” for Indigenous Australians so they can have input on legislation which affects them?