Federal Agriculture Minister Bridget McKenzie announced the creation of a committee at the University of Melbourne's Dookie campus and said it would be led by an independent chairperson with a strong knowledge of the dairy industry.
“The establishment of the dairy consultative committee is part of a $8.1 million injection into the ACCC Agriculture Unit to continue its valuable work for the dairy and agriculture sector,” Senator McKenzie said.
“Our dairy farmers are doing it tough.
"They are honest, hardworking people who deserve a fair go.
"We are committed to supporting a fairer and sustainable Australian dairy industry and the great people who work within it."
Senator McKenzie explained the next steps for the mandatory code's implementation and how the committee would be formed.
“Work is continuing on drafting regulations for the mandatory code of conduct, in the form of an exposure draft," she said.
"Following this, a third round of consultation with industry will begin to gather feedback on the exposure draft and provide the ACCC with up-to-date and relevant advice.
“The ACCC will seek nominations from a range of backgrounds and industries within the sector including peak bodies, industry associations, and industry advisers to form the committee."
The ACCC has also established a Dairy Specialist role in its Agriculture Unit to provide additional expertise and to raise industry awareness about the mandatory code of conduct.
Industry members can contact the ACCC via agricultureunit@accc.gov.au to raise issues concerning the dairy industry.
