Key Points:
- Submissions close at 5pm on Tuesday 16 June 2026.
- The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry survey can be accessed here: Sugar Code of Conduct Review Survey
- The Federal Government review is examining whether the Sugar Code should remain unchanged, be amended, or allowed to lapse when it sunsets in 2027.
- Queensland Federal LNP leaders urge all stakeholders to complete the survey or make a submission before the deadline.
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Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald, is encouraging cane growers, contractors, harvesting operators, mill workers and industry organisations across regional Queensland to complete the Federal Government's Sugar Code of Conduct review survey before submissions close on 16 June.
Senator McDonald said the Sugar Code had been introduced by the former Coalition Government to protect growers from unequal bargaining power and ensure fair commercial negotiations across the sugar industry.
"This Code was put in place for a reason and it has played a critical role in delivering certainty, transparency and fairness for cane growers," Senator McDonald said.
"Now is the time for every grower, every harvesting group, every local cane organisation and every supporting industry body to make their voice heard.
"If regional communities stay silent, decisions will be made without the full picture of what is happening on the ground."
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox MP, whose electorate encompasses one of the largest sugar cane growing regions in North Queensland said the sugar industry supports thousands of jobs across Queensland underpins regional economies.
"This is not just about growers and mills, it affects transport operators, local suppliers, engineering businesses, contractors, fuel distributors, regional retailers and entire communities that depend on a strong sugar sector."
"I strongly encourage every cane farmer and every supporting industry body to have their say and ensure regional Australia is heard loud and clear."
Consultation was especially important as the industry diversified into ethanol, biofuels and value-added manufacturing opportunities.
Mr Willcox said, the sugar industry is not only critical for regional employment and exports, but also increasingly important to Australia's future energy and manufacturing sectors through renewable fuels and industrial innovation
As the industry evolves, we need to ensure growers remain protected and are able to share fairly in the opportunities that come with biofuels and future manufacturing.
Industry groups including CANEGROWERS, AgForce and Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables representatives have all stressed the importance of retaining strong protections for growers and ensuring broad industry consultation.
"But that can only happen if people take the time to contribute to the review process." Mr Willcox said.
Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce MP, said it was vital that growers and industry participants in the Flynn electorate also engaged in the review process.
"The sugar industry is a key economic driver across our region, supporting local jobs and businesses right throughout the supply chain," Mr Boyce said.
"It's critical that growers in Flynn take this opportunity to share their experiences and make sure their voices are heard as part of this review.
"Growers are also facing increasing pressures from rising energy costs and ongoing challenges around water access and reliability, which directly impact productivity and long-term viability.
"That's why it's so important this review gets the settings right – so growers are supported not just in negotiations, but in managing the real-world pressures affecting their operations every day."
Federal Member for Hinkler, David Batt MP, said that Hinkler has been born and bred on the sugar industry.
"The sugar industry has helped shape the identity and economy of the Bundaberg and Childers regions for generations. The region is proud to be home to both Bundaberg Sugar and Isis Central Sugar Mill which is the last of the farmer owned sugar mills in Queensland
"The sugar industry is not just important to growers, mill workers and harvesting contractors, but it supports entire communities right across our region.
"As agriculture continues to diversify across Hinkler with new and emerging industries, it is vital we ensure the sugar industry remains resilient, sustainable, and competitive for future generations.
"This review is an important opportunity for local growers and industry stakeholders to have their say and help shape the future of one of our region's cornerstone industries.
"I encourage everyone involved in the sugar supply chain across Hinkler to take part in the review process and ensure our region's voice is heard loud and clear."
"A strong sugar industry means stronger regional communities, stronger local jobs and a stronger future for Hinkler."
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester said his Queensland colleagues had stressed the importance of the code during meetings in Canberra.
"Andrew, Colin, David and Susan are strong advocates for the sugar cane industry and they are determined to make sure local growers get a good outcome from this review," Mr Chester said.
"It's important that the growers and industry take the opportunity to have their say in this process."
