Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon Julie Collins MP
Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, the Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP
The Albanese Labor Government will level the playing field for Australia's wine and grape sector with the introduction of a new mandatory code of conduct for wine grape purchases.
The introduction of a mandatory code of conduct will deliver fairer trading conditions and responds to the recommendations of Dr Craig Emerson's wine and grape sector review.
The Government has listened to growers, who have long been advocating for changes in the sector amid a global oversupply of wine and declining consumption rates, that has created challenging market conditions.
An enforceable mandatory code of conduct will ensure dealings between winegrape growers and winemakers are undertaken in good faith and are fair and reasonable.
The code, which will apply to large winemakers in their dealings with growers, will provide greater certainty on issues such as price deductions and dispute resolution, it will also equip growers with key financial information to inform their business operations.
By introducing mandatory expectations for conduct, the code will strengthen the industry's long-term sustainability and support grower viability.
The code - which will be enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, will be developed in close consultation with winegrape growers and winemakers.
It will come into effect on 1 January 2027, and builds on the Albanese Labor Government's other support measures for the wine and grape sector.
Since coming to office, the Government has delivered over $80 million in funding to support the grape and wine sector, acknowledging how critical this industry is to Australia.
Dr Emerson's final review can be read here Review of regulatory options for the wine and grape sector | Wine Australia
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"Strengthening trading practices from vines to vats is critical to the industry's growth and success, and will ensure people at home and abroad can continue to enjoy Australia's world-class wine.
"The introduction of this new mandatory code of conduct will help level the playing field and mean grape growers benefit from a fairer way of working.
"This code will require large operators to be fair and reasonable and act in good faith towards their suppliers.
"We will work closely with industry to develop and implement the code, and to ensure we create a system that is fairer and more equitable."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh:
"The Albanese Labor Government is committed to improving trading practices at every step from grape to glass, which is exactly what this code is designed to support.
"For the many winemakers who already act in good faith, the code won't feel new - it will simply recognise the way responsible operators already do business."
