The Australian grape and wine industry has less than two weeks remaining to provide feedback on the independent review of the Wine Australia Regulations 2018, with written submissions closing on 25 September 2026.
The Wine Australia Regulations support the operation of the Wine Australia Act 2013 and govern how wine and grape products are described, labelled and exported, helping protect the reputation of Australian wine, implement Australia's international obligations and support overseas market access.
The independent review, conducted by Jason Duldig of Dixon&King as appointed by Wine Australia, will inform advice to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on whether the Regulations remain fit for purpose, are still required, and whether any changes should be considered before the Regulations automatically sunset on 1 April 2028.
Wine Australia General Manager Regulation and General Counsel Ned Hewitson said the consultation provides an important pathway for industry to participate in decisions about the way that it's regulated.
"The export controls contained in the Regulations have underpinned the success of the Australian wine industry for nearly 100 years, evolving over time to contemplate technological improvements, remove redundant provisions, simplify language and improve ease of navigation and administration," Mr Hewitson said.
"The Regulations review is about understanding what's working, what's not, and whether changes may be needed to ensure Australia's regulatory framework remains fit for purpose into the future. It is fundamentally essential that the review is informed by the wine industry and the practical experiences of the businesses that interact with these arrangements every day."
This review is one of four separate legislative and regulatory processes currently underway that may affect the Australian wine sector.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is currently leading two lawmaking processes relating to a mandatory Code of Conduct for Winegrape Purchases. The first, the Wine and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, has passed both houses of Parliament and was assented to on 15 September 2026.
The Department is also consulting on future arrangements for protecting wine geographical indications (GIs) in line with Australia's commitments under the Australia–EU Free Trade Agreement.
The Australian grape and wine industry has long recognised the importance of wine regionality in relation to the successful promotion of Australian wine. Australia's GI framework – introduced in the early-1990s – provides a framework that fosters positive consumer perception regarding the quality and provenance of Australian wine. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's review provides the industry with an opportunity as to how it would like this framework to look moving forward. A discussion paper is available here.
Mr Hewitson said it was important for industry participants to understand that while the four processes were occurring at a similar time, they were separate consultations focused on different issues.
"These consultations cover a range of issues and they are separate processes, but each provides an opportunity for industry to provide input into the way that it may be regulated in the future," Mr Hewitson said.
