Backing fairness and transparency in Australia's dairy industry

The Albanese Labor Government supports a strong dairy industry in Australia and is today committing to implement all of the recommendations of the second review of the Dairy Code.

Introduced in 2020, the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes-Dairy) Regulations 2019 (Dairy Code) is a mandatory code under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 that regulates the conduct between a dairy farmer and dairy processor.

It provides important protections for farmers and processors, ensuring fair trading, greater transparency and improved outcomes across the dairy supply chain.

The implementation of the review’s eight recommendations will provide farmers and processors with greater flexibility and clarity when implementing the Code, while also improving understanding of its requirements.

Australia’s dairy industry was worth $5.96 billion in 2024-25 and supports 30,400 jobs across the country.

A second review of the Dairy Code by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry was handed down in December 2025. The review assessed the role, impact and operation of the Dairy Code and found that it continues to operate largely as intended. 

The Government has begun work on implementing the review’s eight recommendations. 

For more information on the review, visit Dairy Industry Code - DAFF.

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

“Dairy is a vital industry for our country and makes a major contribution to our economy, and we want to ensure that it continues to grow in a fair and equitable way.

The Dairy Code Review found the code is working largely as intended and has delivered improved dealings between farmers and processors, and I am pleased to support the findings of this review with work already underway. 

“The implementation of the review’s recommendations will ensure the Code continues to deliver greater transparency and fairness in how dairy milk is purchased. 

“Our Government will continue to support Australia’s dairy industry and the jobs it supports across the nation.”