CHANCE TO SHAPE THE MANDATORY DAIRY CODE

The draft mandatory dairy code of conduct has been released for public comment, following a series of consultations in all eight dairy regions last year.

A Regulation Impact Statement and survey seeking further information on the impacts the code will have on farmers and processors has also been released for public comment and contribution.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the draft code had been released to make sure everyone got to have their say.

“I encourage all local dairy farmers and processors to provide their views on the draft code to help make it the best code possible,” Mr Pasin said.

“This will be helped by the two phone-based town hall sessions where people from across the country can dial in and share their thoughts.

“No farmer or processor is excluded.

“Information can be found on consultations and the draft code at www.agriculture.gov.au by going to the Have Your Say section.

The new code will help balance the market power between dairy farmers and processors and improve farmers’ bargaining power.

As it currently stands the code will require processors to publicly release their standard form agreement on a set date each year and establish a dispute resolution process, stopping processors changing agreements without farmer consent, and outlaw retrospective step downs.

“It also obliges processors to publish early in the season milk price offers so farmers have more time to consider their situation,” Mr Pasin said.

“The dairy industry called for a code and we’re getting on with delivering it with as much consultation as possible.”

More information about a code and consultations can be found on the Have Your Say website at https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/dairy-code-conduct People can also email dairycode@agriculture.gov.au or phone 1300 044 940.

Contact: Charlotte Edmunds  8531 2466