Long term success the focus of wine sector report

The Albanese Labor Government acknowledges the release of Dr Craig Emerson’s independent impact analysis of trade and competition dynamics in the grape and wine sector.

The report, released today by Wine Australia, examines fair trading, competitive relationships, contracting practices and risk allocation between grape growers, winemakers and retailers.

Dr Emerson engaged in extensive consultation with the sector, meeting with more than 20 different key stakeholder groups including grape growers, wine makers, liquor retailers, and industry representative organisations across Australia.

The imbalance in bargaining power between large businesses and their small suppliers is a major focus in Dr Emerson’s report, noting that the long-term sustainability of the sector depends on fair conditions for the primary producers responsible for our world-class wine.

Dr Emerson’s analysis contains 14 key recommendations which the Government will consider closely, working with industry and stakeholders to establish the best way forward.

Dr Emerson’s analysis forms part of the Albanese Labor Government’s Grape and Wine Sector Long-term Viability Support Package to support the long-term viability of the grape and wine industry.

The Albanese Labor Government is supporting Australia's grape and wine industry through:

• The continuation of the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant Program, providing $10 million each financial year to attract visitors to Australian wine regions and promote agri-tourism;
• Additional $1.1 million to extend the $3.5 million Grape and Wine Sector Long-term Viability Support Package which will support additional international market access and trade diversification activities, and research for new and innovative technologies and tools to control plant pests;
• $550,000 to expand the scale and reach of the Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference in 2025 and 2028;
• Over $1.8 million for the South Australia Wine Recovery Program to boost demand for Australian wine and improve industry capability; and
• Matched funding to Wine Australia for research and development each financial year.

The review is available here: https://www.wineaustralia.com/research_and_innovation/projects/review-of-regulatory-options-for-the-wine-and-grape-sector

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

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to supporting the profitability, productivity, and resilience of the Australian grape and wine sector.

“I would like to thank Dr Emerson for his comprehensive and considered report. This is an important piece of work on an industry all Australians should be very proud of.

“Our Government is committed to ensuring that our grape and wine sector receives the support it needs to flourish and prosper in the years to come.”