The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has opened consultation on the operation of the Dairy Industry Code.
The Dairy Industry Code provides a fairer process for negotiating contractual arrangements between dairy farmers and dairy processors.
The consultation process follows DAFF's review of the Dairy Industry Code in 2021 with the support of the Dairy Industry Code Review Reference Group.
Acting Deputy Secretary of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy Group Dr Jared Greenville said that while a second formal review of the code will happen down the track, this consultation puts DAFF in a better position to address the findings of the first review.
"The first code review identified several topics that warranted further exploration before a second review can commence," Dr Greenville said.
"This consultation is an opportunity to ensure we can capture more evidence about concerns identified in the first review so that the code can adapt to best represent the needs of our dairy industry.
"The code helps balance bargaining power between dairy farmers and dairy processors.
"It's important that we ensure that the code remains up-to-date and continues to support our dairy industry now and into the future.
"I encourage those with an interest in fair and open dairy industry negotiations to get involved in the consultation."
