Winegrape Purchases Code of Conduct consultation opens

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 has reached a significant milestone in the development of a new mandatory Code of Conduct for wine grape purchases, with consultation on the Code’s Exposure Draft now open. 

The mandatory Winegrape Purchases Code of Conduct will come into effect from 1 January 2027 and help level the playing field for Australia’s wine and grape sector.

It will ensure dealings between winegrape growers and large winemakers are undertaken in good faith and are fair and reasonable, with improved transparency and consistent trading arrangements. 

The Code will provide greater certainty on issues such as price deductions and dispute resolution, while equipping growers with key financial information to inform their business operations.  

Implementing an enforceable code is part of the Government’s response to the recommendations of Dr Craig Emerson’s wine and grape sector review.   

It is part of the Albanese Labor Government’s work to support Australia’s wine and grape sector, which is experiencing disruption from challenging market conditions, including global oversupply of wine and declining consumption rates. 

Since coming to office, the Government has delivered over $105 million in funding to support the grape and wine sector, and permanently increased the Wine Equalisation Tax rebate. 

This support recognises the importance of Australia’s wine and grape sector, with grape growing, winemaking and wine tourism contributing $51.3 billion to the national economy annually. 

This important phase of consultation, which is open until Friday, 9 October 2026, gives Australia’s wine and grape sector the opportunity to help shape the proposed Code. 

For more information, visit: Strengthening Australia’s wine and grape sector - Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:  
 
“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to implementing a mandatory Code of Conduct that’s practical, balanced and supports a strong future for Australia’s wine and grape sector. 

“This Code will require large operators to act in good faith towards their suppliers, helping to give growers and winemakers greater confidence. 

“We’ve heard from industry about the need for a Code that supports fairer and more transparent trading arrangements, which is why I encourage winegrape growers and winemakers to have their say on this Exposure Draft. 

“Australia produces the world’s best wine, but global oversupply and declining consumption rates has created challenging market conditions, which is why our Government has delivered over $105 million to support our grape and wine sector.” 

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

“From grape to glass, our Government is committed to ensuring that every stage of our wine sector is fair and accountable. 

“The Code will give growers and winemakers clearer ground rules for doing business. That can reduce commercial friction, support investment and lift productivity across the sector.”