February 25, 2026
A discussion paper has been released by the State Government as part of a review of the decades-old Food Production (Safety) Act 2000.
The review aims to cut red tape to help boost Queensland’s primary production output to $30 billion by 2030 while still maintaining public health and safety.
Consultation opened on Wednesday and will close on April 10.
The review will:
- Identify if the current approach to food safety regulation needs modernisation to ensure it remains effective and responsive to new and emerging risks,
- Strengthen food safety across the supply chain,
- Reduce the burden on businesses through “risk-based, proportionate regulatory approaches”, and
- Align Queensland’s primary production regulations with national food safety frameworks.
Department of Primary Industries Acting Deputy Director-General Ash Bacon said the review would help the department understand the impact of regulatory burdens on businesses, as well as help it to create the conditions that encourage investment and growth in Queensland’s primary industries.
“Most businesses regulated under the Food Production (Safety) Act are small and/or family-owned businesses, which are the engine room of primary production in Queensland and the source of innovation and new food production business models,” Mr Bacon said.
“The outcomes of the consultation and review will continue to deliver on the Queensland Government’s commitment to improving long-term regulation certainty and reducing red tape for business.”
This review does not include the Food Act 2006, which is the legislation that administers food safety at premises such as cafes and restaurants.
- More information is available on the DPI website
