Sugar Code of Conduct Review

The Albanese Labor Government is committed to a strong sugar industry in Australia, where fair and robust regulatory settings support our sugarcane growers and sugar millers.

More than 80% of all sugar produced in Australia is exported as bulk raw sugar, ranking Australia as one of the largest raw sugar exporters in the world.

The sugar industry is a fixture of rural and regional communities across Queensland and northern New South Wales and supports more than 40,000 jobs directly and indirectly across the industry.

To ensure the industry’s regulatory settings are benefitting growers and millers, the government is commencing a review of the Sugar Code of Conduct today.

The Sugar Code of Conduct regulates the relationship between sugarcane gro0wers and sugar millers and supports transparency and fairness in commercial arrangements.

The code was introduced in 2017 and is due to sunset on 1 October 2027.

The Australian Government will review the code to ensure it remains fit for purpose and whether it should be remade, amended, or allowed to sunset, as is done with other mandatory codes.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will undertake the review in consultation with industry and will provide a report to the government later this year.

For more information on the review, and to have your say, visit https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/sugar-code-review

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Anthony Chisholm:

“The Sugar Industry Code of Conduct helps to maintain a sustainable and fair industry, where jobs and growth are paramount.

“Australia’s sugar industry is an iconic fixture in communities in Queensland and northern New South Wales. It’s a significant contributor to regional economies and an important part of Australia’s agriculture sector.

“The Albanese Government is keen to hear from sugarcane growers, sugar millers and workers in the industry to make sure we get the regulatory settings right.

“This is an opportunity for anyone interested in or connected to the sugar industry to have their say about the sector’s future.”

Quote attributable to Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, Andrew Leigh:

“Sugar is sweet, but contracts shouldn’t leave a bitter taste. This review is about keeping the rules strong and the market competitive – delivering fair outcomes for growers, millers and customers.”