September 25, 2024
Former AgForce CEO Charles Burke has been appointed a Food Farmers’ Commissioner by the State Government.
Mr Burke is also a former CEO of the Queensland Transport and Logistics Council, former vice-president of the National Farmers’ Federation, and former co-chair of the State Government’s Drought Program Review.
The creation of the commissioner role was a recommendation by the Supermarket Pricing Select Committee.
It will be a point of contact for matters affecting farmers, provide advice to farmers in supporting their relationships with supermarkets, and advise the government on arrangements across supermarkets and their suppliers.
“I am honoured that the Queensland Government has put its faith in me to be the first Food Farmers’ Commissioner, to navigate a pathway in this challenging environment,” Mr Burke said.
“This critical role represents an enormous opportunity to improve price transparency, create a safe environment for complaints to be considered and acted on, and redress the imbalance between suppliers and supermarkets.
“I am very much looking forward to getting started in this important role.”
The appointment is for an initial period of 12 months.
