Helping Australia's grape and wine sector thrive

The Albanese Labor Government is encouraging stakeholders from across Australia’s grape and wine industry to share their views as part of a multimillion-dollar package to boost the sector’s long-term viability. 

Feedback on existing regulation in the sector is being sought through the independent impact analysis of the grape and wine sector’s current rules concerning fair trading, competitive relationships, contracting practices and risk allocation. 

Last month the Government announced the appointment of Dr Craig Emerson to undertake this analysis, as part of the Government’s $3.5 million Grape and Wine Sector Long-Term Viability Package. 

Feedback collected from the consultation will inform advice about whether existing regulation could be made more effective, or if additional regulatory or other interventions are warranted to improve the grape and wine market. 

The analysis will provide recommendations to Government to support the industry’s long-term sustainability. 

The analysis follows concerns raised during Dr Emerson’s Food and Grocery Code of Conduct Review earlier this year and consultations undertaken by the Viticulture and Wine Sector Working Group. 

For further information and to have your say before consultation closes on 10 October 2024, click here: Grape and Wine Sector Regulatory Impact Analysis - Agriculture hub 

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

“Our Government is determined to help Australia’s wine industry grow and thrive. 

“Australia’s wine industry is made up of more than 2,000 wineries and 6,000 grape growers, and we want to hear from as many of them as possible. 

“If you are in the grape and wine industry, I strongly urge you to take part in this consultation process, to help us as a government understand the trading environment from the vineyard to the retail shelf. 

“It’s important that a broad cross section of stakeholders helps Dr Emerson identify the key areas where we should be focusing to ensure a fair and functioning grape, wine, and retail market.”