Consultation opens on streamlined Wheat Port Code

The Albanese Labor Government continues to support Australia’s wheat export industry and is today releasing the response to the 2024 sunsetting review and an exposure draft of the streamlined Wheat Port Code for consultation.

The 2024 sunsetting review found the current Code is no longer fit-for-purpose and recommended industry move to a self-regulatory model. The Government has accepted the findings of the review.

To provide certainty during the transition to self-regulation, the Government will remake the Wheat Port Code in a streamlined form, with this code to remain in place for three years.

This will ensure appropriate regulatory oversight remains in place while industry develops an effective self-regulatory framework.

Australia’s wheat industry is one of the nation’s most significant agricultural export sectors with a forecast value of approximately $10 billion in 2025-26.

The Government is now seeking stakeholder feedback on an exposure draft through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Have Your Say platform, with consultation to remain open for three weeks.

Feedback received through consultation will help ensure the streamlined Code continues to support transparency, competition and the efficient operation of Australia’s wheat export market.

For more information on the Government’s response, and to have your say, visit here.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins:

“The Albanese Labor Government has worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for our farmers and producers to export our world-class products on the international stage.

“Australia’s wheat industry is a major contributor to our economy and regional communities across the country, so it’s important we have a framework that supports a modern, competitive export market.

“The review found the current Wheat Port Code is no longer fit for purpose, and the Government has accepted that finding.

“By streamlining the Code for three years, we’re providing certainty for industry while giving it the time needed to develop an effective self-regulatory model.

“Reducing unnecessary regulation while maintaining appropriate transparency will help strengthen competition and support Australia’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality wheat to markets around the world.”