Australian Government response: Food for Thought report

The Albanese Labor Government is investing in a Future Made in Australia, maximising the economic and industrial benefits of the global net zero transition and securing Australia’s place in a changing international economic and strategic landscape. Its $22.7 billion commitment to a Future Made in Australia is attracting and enabling investment, backing Australian ideas and investing in the people, communities and services that will drive our national success.

The Australian Government recognises the vital contribution of Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing sector in transforming Australia’s premium agricultural produce into high-value goods – from quality meats and dairy to confectionery and craft beverages. Enhancing the value of agricultural output is a national priority, with the food and beverage sector central to this. As a net food exporter, strengthening this sector not only helps to ensure long-term food security for communities across the country but also supports Australia’s prosperity. 

On 18 March 2024, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation and Science (‘the committee’) commenced an inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia. The terms of reference for the inquiry focused on opportunities for expanding innovation and value-adding in the food and beverage manufacturing industry in Australia. The committee tabled its report, Food for Thought: The opportunities and challenges for Australia's food and beverage manufacturing industry (‘the report’) in February 2025 and made 23 recommendations. 

The government agrees or agrees in principle to 15 recommendations and notes the remaining 8 recommendations, in which it is already pursuing initiatives that align with their intent. In addition to its investment in a Future Made in Australia, the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund and the Industry Growth Program include value-adding in agriculture as a priority. The Government is also developing a new national food security strategy, Feeding Australia, to improve the food system in Australia. 

The Australian Government thanks the committee and secretariat for its work to produce the report. The Australian Government also thanks all stakeholders who contributed to the inquiry and their ongoing commitment to help Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing sector grow.

Response: The Australian Government agrees to this recommendation.

The Australian Government has committed $3.5 million over 2 years from 1 July 2025 to develop Feeding Australia: A National Food Security Strategy. This recognises increasing pressures from risks such as climate change, biosecurity threats, geopolitical instability, and supply chain vulnerabilities. Feeding Australia will set out a long-term plan to boost the productivity, resilience and security of Australia’s agriculture and food production systems to ensure our food system can face the challenges ahead.

Feeding Australia is being developed in consultation with industry, community, and government, supported by a National Food Council made up of experts from across the food ecosystem. The strategy will build on recommendations in the House Standing Committee on Agriculture report Australian Food Story: Feeding the Nation and Beyond, and complement other initiatives, such as the Agriculture and Land Sector Plan, the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy, Australia’s Circular Economy Framework, and the National Strategy for Food Security in Remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities.

Response: The Australian Government agrees to this recommendation.

The government recognises the link between agri-food production, nutrition, and health and is addressing this through a coordinated, cross-portfolio approach. The National Preventative Health Strategy 2021–2030 (NPHS) and the National Obesity Strategy 2022–2032 (NOS) provide a strategic framework to promote healthier food systems and improve dietary health and reduce non-communicable diseases. One current initiative designed to make processed food and drink healthier is the Healthy Food Partnership Program. This voluntary program works with the food industry and public health sector to encourage food companies to make positive changes to their product portfolio, including reformulating processed foods to reduce sugar, saturated fat and sodium, and to offer more suitable serving sizes. Progress of these strategies is tracked via the National Preventative Health Monitoring Dashboard, published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 2024.

The National Strategy for Food Security in Remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities is supporting increased agri-food production within remote First Nations communities. It aims to increase access to both traditional and non-traditional healthy foods by working in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Sector. This work aligns with Closing the Gap Priority Reform 1: Formal partnerships and shared decision making, as well as Priority Reform 2: Building the community-controlled sector.

The joint Australia and New Zealand food regulation system also plays a critical role in safeguarding public health and safety. It is a collaborative effort across the health, agriculture, and primary industry sectors in Australia and New Zealand. The system is overseen by the Food Ministers’ Meeting, supported by a senior official’s group and an implementation committee. These cross-jurisdictional bodies work together to protect consumer health and safety, enable informed food choices and support public health outcomes. The bodies aim to foster a strong, sustainable food industry that delivers a diverse and affordable food supply and provides economic benefits for Australia and New Zealand. The system’s workplan is structured to promote a healthy food supply, ensure food is safe and suitable, empower consumers, and support thriving food economies.

Together, these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to a whole‑of‑government approach that strengthens the link between food systems and health and supports improved nutrition to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.

Response: The Australian Government agrees to this recommendation.

Recognising that nearly two-thirds of Australia’s agricultural production is exported, the government actively works to secure and expand market access, helping producers remain globally competitive.

Austrade provides services to Australian businesses, including small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs), to help them grow and diversify their exports, including in high-growth markets and free trade agreement (FTA) markets. Austrade is also delivering the Southeast Asia and South Asia Business Exchange (SEABX and SABX) Programs that are highlighting export and investment opportunities in these high‑potential regions. Austrade provides advice, connections and practical support that assists export-ready food and beverage manufacturers achieve their internationalisation objectives. 

Austrade partners with peak industry bodies and state and territory governments to deliver global events which enhance Australia’s international brand and enable exporters to connect with buyers and form business partnerships. Austrade’s Go Global Toolkit contains valuable information and resources to support the development and delivery of export plans. Austrade also administers the Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program, which supports SMEs to deliver marketing and promotional activities to increase their exports and bring broader benefits for Australia.

Further, in response to an increasing level of global economic uncertainty, the Australian Government launched the Accessing New Markets Initiative (ANMI). Managed by Austrade, in close collaboration with national peak industry bodies, ANMI is a $50 million, 2-year surge program aimed at helping Australian exporters from diverse sectors, including agrifood, by building the resilience and diversification of Australia’s exports. ANMI will support additional in-market trade advisors, enhanced offshore events, and new strategic initiatives. By strengthening relationships with industry and working across government, ANMI aims to deliver enduring export outcomes, build long-term trade resilience and grow export opportunities for Australian businesses, including from the agrifood sector.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) also helps to create new and maintain existing export market access opportunities for agricultural and food industries. DAFF’s network of overseas counsellors, spanning 15 international locations, provides critical in-country support to exporting businesses. DAFF also continuously works to maintain technical market access, such as restoring access for live rock lobster trade to China and maintaining access to the EU for products impacted by the EU Deforestation Regulation. The government continues to invest in enabling and protecting international market access for agricultural goods. It represents Australia’s agricultural interests overseas and promotes global standards for free and fair trade that support Australia’s economic prosperity. This includes agreeing to the Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, and the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement.

Austrade also promotes opportunities for exporters to take advantage of FTAs that we share with our Southeast Asian trading partners as opportunities to enhance their competitive market positioning, including with Indonesia (IA-CEPA), Singapore (SAFTA), Malaysia (MAFTA), and Thailand (TAFTA), as well as other major regional agreements including the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The government is implementing a range of measures to deepen Australia’s agriculture and food-related trade with Southeast Asia as part of Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. As previously noted, Austrade administers SEABX – a key recommendation of ‘Invested’. Under SEABX, 2 agri-food-focused business missions to Indonesia and Brunei were conducted in November 2025. An additional business mission is planned to Vietnam in March 2026.

Austrade will also be delivering strategic trade events in the region, like Food & Hotel Asia in Singapore, in line with Invested’s recommendation for greater agricultural trade and investment with Southeast Asia.

These trade functions are critical in supporting Australia’s agricultural, fisheries and forestry exporting businesses in accessing overseas markets and ensuring the smooth flow of trade in Australian food and fibre products. The functions also support stability of Australia’s agricultural trade position in a more uncertain geopolitical and international trading environment.

Response: The Australian Government agrees to this recommendation.

The government is supporting the uptake of critical technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems, in the national interest to drive innovation and productivity across the economy, including in the Australian food and beverage manufacturing industry.

This approach is anchored in the National AI Plan, released in December 2025, which sets out the government’s ambition to position Australia as a leader in responsible, inclusive and innovative AI development and adoption. The Plan establishes a national framework for action, guiding government, industry, research and the community to work together to capture the full benefits of AI. 

The National Reconstruction Fund is investing in enabling capabilities, including AI and autonomous systems, as a priority area of the economy. The government has set clear expectations through its Investment Mandate that the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC) targets funding levels over the medium to long term of up to $1 billion for critical technologies in the national interest. This sits alongside a target funding level of $500 million for value-adding in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, food and fibre which may include food and beverage manufacturing.

CSIRO serves as a catalyst behind transformative food innovation in Australia. Through its Food Innovation Centre in Werribee and food pilot plant in Brisbane, CSIRO gives industry direct access to world-class research, facilities, and cutting-edge technologies, including AI and advanced automation, helping businesses streamline manufacturing, assure quality, and optimise supply chains.

The government is supporting AI and automation adoption more broadly through:

• the establishment of an AI Safety Institute, which will monitor, test and share information on emerging AI capabilities, risks and harms, supporting regulators and portfolio agencies to maintain safety measures and ensure AI systems are used responsibly and transparently.
• the National AI Centre (NAIC), which provides leadership, resources, and support to help Australian businesses and organisations adopt AI responsibly and drive innovation.
• the 4 AI Adopt Centres, which provide training courses, one-on-one consultations and roadmaps, technology demonstrations as well as practical tools and resources to support safe adoption of AI technologies for SMEs.
• a new Cooperative Research Centres AI Accelerator funding round, which will incentivise partnerships between businesses and research organisations to help Australian ideas scale and compete on the global stage.
• the National Robotics Strategy, which focuses on increasing adoption by supporting businesses to integrate robotics and automation technologies into their operations.

Response: The Australian Government agrees in-principle with this recommendation.

The government continues to engage with industry to help shape policy and identify investment opportunities that support value-adding to food and beverage products.

Value-add in agriculture, forestry and fisheries is one of the 7 priority areas for investment by the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund. The NRFC is engaging with industry on a strong pipeline of opportunities to invest in this area, while also supporting regional development and creating local jobs. 

The National Food Security Strategy is being developed through a co-design process led by DAFF, involving industry, community and government stakeholders. It will provide a coherent national policy that improves supply chain resilience, minimises price volatility and improves food security. This strategy will be supported by a National Food Council, comprised of industry and community experts from across the Australian food system.

The Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) program funds industry-led collaborations between industry, researchers and end users for commercialising research in developing value-added products. The government has committed $115 million to 3 CRC’s researching innovative food technologies, improving agricultural productivity and reducing food waste: the Future Food Systems CRC, Food Agility CRC and End Food Waste CRC. Additionally, food and beverage manufacturing related projects supported under rounds 14–16 of the CRC Projects stream include advancement of lower alcohol and calorie ‘Australian lifestyle wines’, delivering allergen-safe eggs and novel R&D for vanilla propagation, production and product.

CSIRO research bridges scientific excellence and practical application to support the growth of Australia’s food and beverage sector, including by developing and commercialising new technologies and products that upgrade lower-value inputs, improve nutritional profiles, and extend product shelf-life. CSIRO empowers businesses of all sizes to commercialise their research and bring these new products to market, leveraging state-of-the-art pilot plants in Victoria and Queensland. For example, at the Food Innovation Centre in Victoria, CSIRO’s expertise in high pressure processing (HPP) enabled Preshafood, to launch premium fruit juices that retain exceptional quality and nutrition while achieving longer shelf life. This innovation has not only boosted Preshafood’s growth – making it Australia’s largest HPP operation – but also created jobs, expanded export opportunities and enhanced safety in perishable foods.

Response: The Australian Government agrees to this recommendation.

The government recognises the important role novel foods play in the broader food ecosystem by offering options that meet consumer values and expectations for sustainability, improved nutrition and to address growing global food demands.

In June 2025, Australia became one of the first jurisdictions, following the US and Singapore, to approve cell-cultured food for sale and consumption. As part of the approval process, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) developed a new risk-based regulatory framework that provides clear and predictable rules for businesses, including labelling requirements. 

FSANZ is investigating opportunities to shorten assessment and approval pathways for novel foods. For example, by incorporating safety assessments already undertaken by other international agencies, as is currently done for genetically modified foods. This could provide a competitive edge for Australian businesses seeking to invest in the novel food sector. 

FSANZ is also supporting the commercialisation of Indigenous foods. While a business may proceed to market without consulting FSANZ, they may choose to seek a view from FSANZ’s Advisory Committee on Novel Foods (ACNF) to confirm the food is not novel and therefore does not require pre-market approval from FSANZ before it may be sold. The ACNF will determine whether a native or Indigenous food is considered a traditional food based on its history of use in Australia or New Zealand. If used in a non-traditional way, it may be considered a novel food requiring pre-market approval by FSANZ. Indigenous food businesses wishing to commercialise their traditional foods sometimes have difficulty providing written evidence of a significant history of use when making an enquiry to the ACNF. To assist these businesses, the ACNF will accept elder statements in lieu of detailed scientific or published information regarding history of use.

Agricultural traceability mechanisms have the potential to give communities the tools to protect their novel food and beverage products and culture. Cultural provenance and intellectual property are identified critical issues for First Nations Australians’ agricultural producers and communities – for example, under the National Agricultural Traceability Strategy 2023 to 2033. The government has partnered with several First Nations organisations and provided $2 million in grant funding to increase capacity to track and trace products. These projects will support verifying provenance, value‑added benefits, training programs, product and branding development, and build understanding of international markets’ access requirements. 

Since 2018, Australian governments have committed over $127 million towards continuous improvement of Australia’s agricultural traceability capability.

The government is further supporting novel food development through funding mechanisms such as a $17.14 million Local Industry Grant to support the establishment of a pilot food manufacturing innovation hub on the Central Coast of New South Wales. Construction of the hub commenced in April 2025. The hub will supplement the existing hub/cluster ecosystem, contributing to the food and beverage sector remaining competitive, productive and embracing new technology to develop novel foods. 

The facility is designed to support both established and scale-up food and beverage businesses, including pilot and training spaces dedicated to product development, skills training and innovation. Expected to be operational by early 2026, work is already underway to have programs developed, piloted and proven in the lead-up to its opening.

Response: The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) has some of the strongest protections in the world for the export of native flora. All exports of native flora species are currently regulated under the EPBC Act, unless specifically exempt under the List of Exempt Native Specimens (LENS).*

The government remains committed to strengthening and streamlining our national environmental laws, including establishing a federal environment protection agency. The government recently reformed the EPBC Act. These reforms are based on 3 pillars: stronger environmental protection and restoration, more efficient and robust project assessments and greater accountability and transparency in decision making.

Australia’s strict regulation and requirements for sustainable harvest prior to export prevents our native flora from being threatened by trade. To be granted export approval, plant specimens must originate from an approved source under the EPBC Act. The assessment considers whether stock is lawfully obtained and that harvest is sustainable. The objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity are also taken into consideration where appropriate. Where harvest from the wild is proposed, the public is provided the opportunity to comment prior to a decision. If necessary, conditions will be placed on an approval.

Work is ongoing through a pilot project established by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to provide greater understanding of and access to IP protection for First Nations businesses. This pilot aims to increase First Nations communities’ participation in, and benefits derived from, international trade. Topics explored will include how IP can be leveraged to assist in protecting native flora from commercial propagation overseas. 

Response: The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The government acknowledges the linkages and benefits that come from place-based initiatives such as innovation hubs and precincts. The government’s existing support of innovation hubs and precincts includes:

• $17.14 million through a Local Industry Grant for the development of a food innovation hub in partnership with Central Coast Industry Connect on the central coast of New South Wales, as detailed in Recommendation 6.
• $3 million through the Food and Agribusiness Growth Centre’s Cluster Program, which has funded 8 food and agribusiness clusters across Australia including the Central Coast Food Alliance, FermenTasmania, Food & Agribusiness Network, Food & Fibre Gippsland, Tasmania Agrifood Network, Tropical North Queensland Regional Food Network, Greater Whitsunday Alliance, Limestone Coast Food and Agribusiness Cluster.
• $50 million through the Trailblazer Program to establish the Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA), a hub based at the University of Queensland. FaBA offers 4 programs assisting businesses with ingredient innovation and new product commercialisation; provides access to new technology such as precision fermentation; offers skills training centre for food science, biotechnology and engineering, and a premium food and beverage program including a pilot scale plant and processing equipment.

CSIRO’s Food Innovation Centre in Werribee, Victoria and the joint Queensland Government/CSIRO food pilot plant in Brisbane, provide a broad range of expertise, research, technology and support services to the food, ingredient and equipment manufacturing sectors.

Strengthening Australia’s R&D system is important for securing Australia’s future prosperity and a Future Made in Australia. Through the 2024–25 Budget, the government commissioned an independent expert panel to conduct a strategic examination of Australia’s R&D system, including opportunities to support the achievement of national priorities, mechanisms to improve coordination and impact of R&D funding and programs, and drive greater R&D investment and adoption of innovation by industry. The government will consider actions related to innovation hubs and precincts in line with recommendations of the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD). The government is currently considering the SERD panel’s final report which was delivered in December 2025. 

Response: The Australian Government agrees with this recommendation.

The government’s collaborative tripartite approach to the vocational education and training (VET) sector brings together employers, unions and governments to find solutions to skills and workforce challenges. Ten not-for-profit, industry-led Jobs and Skills Councils (JSCs) have been established so industry can help to ensure the VET sector delivers better outcomes for learners and employers, including the identification of skills and workforce needs.

Food and beverage manufacturing falls under the remit of the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance JSC. Skills Insight is the JSC for the agribusiness, fibre, furnishing, food, animal and environment care sectors. Each JSC works closely with Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA), drawing on JSA’s workforce analysis and projections to plan for their industry sectors, including the annual Occupation Shortage List. In January 2025, JSA published a capacity study on the food supply chain workforce, which includes new data and advice on workforce planning in the food manufacturing industry. 

To address skills and workforce shortages in the agricultural sector, DAFF works closely with industry stakeholders and government agencies that influence skills and training, overseas workforce and migration pathways. DAFF supports the Agricultural Workforce Forum which brings together employers, unions, and government to collaborate on potential workforce solutions in agriculture and meat processing and manages initiatives, such as the AgConnections Program, which help the sector attract the diverse university skills it needs for the future. 

The National Indigenous Australians Agency chairs the Remote Food Security Working Group. The working group is an industry coordination mechanism which identifies and addresses barriers in the remote supply chain. Membership includes Commonwealth, state and territory governments, remote retailers, major wholesalers, distributors, and Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations. 

Other initiatives to help address skills’ needs include:

• The Department of Home Affairs issues a range of visa products including state and territory nominations, labour agreements including Designated Area Migration Agreements, and employer-sponsored visas. For example, the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme helps to fill labour gaps in rural and regional Australia and nationally for agriculture and select agriculture-related food product manufacturing sectors. Labour agreements are also in place for the meat industry and the horticulture industry. The Horticulture Industry Labour Agreement (HILA) has a total of 31 approved occupations available through the agreement, including occupations relevant to the food and beverage manufacturing sector.
• A range of programs administered by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, such as Workforce Australia and the Local Jobs Program, that support businesses with their immediate and future recruitment needs. This may include arranging pre-employment or skills training for candidates before they start a job.
• The National Skills Agreement expands governments’ investment in VET and supports actions that prioritise critical skills areas including food security, ensuring the VET system is robust and responsive to current and future skills and workforce needs.
• Over $1.5 billion funding is being delivered in partnership with state and territory governments for more than 500,000 Fee-Free TAFE and VET places across Australia from 2023 to 2026. Fee-Free TAFE covers a range of high priority courses, including in agriculture and manufacturing. Current offerings include qualifications in specialised livestock production, digital agronomy, agribusiness management and food processing. Free TAFE will also be a permanent feature of the national VET system, underpinned by the Free TAFE Act 2025, and will support at least 100,000 Free TAFE and VET places per year from 2027. 

Response: The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The Australian Curriculum provides multiple opportunities for students in Foundation to Year 10 to learn about food and nutrition. The latest version of the curriculum (version 9.0) was approved by all Education ministers on 1 April 2022. The review included consultation with state and territory governments, school education and related subject matter experts, mapping against selected international curricula, as well as public consultation. Opportunities to teach and learn about food and nutrition are highlighted through 2 curriculum connections, Food and Fibre and Food and Wellbeing. State and territory government and non-government education authorities are responsible for implementing the curriculum in schools. This includes determining the timing and approach for implementation of the revised curriculum, programs used, and decisions about pedagogy and practice.

Building skills for the future, CSIRO has actively supported teacher and student education in food and nutrition, delivering leading programs such as Taste & Learn™ and VegKIT to increase healthy eating and boost STEM expertise across communities.

As autonomous self-accrediting institutions, universities determine their own course content and structure. The government does not directly intervene to influence what is taught or pedagogical approaches. However, universities have consulted with industry across both research and in the development of courses to enhance content and student outcomes. This is particularly true across industries in which students require professional accreditation following graduation to practice such as medicine, nursing, teaching and allied health fields.

The food and beverage manufacturing sector, working with the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance, ensures that vocational education and training remains fit-for-purpose and reflects modern industry, including by incorporating the latest approaches and technological advancements. 

Response: The Australian Government agrees in-principle to this recommendation.

CSIRO’s TraNSIT Model is being used both nationally and internationally to improve supply chain efficiency and help identify options for transport and logistics investment. TraNSIT models 185 commodities, representing more than 25 million truck trips and 200,000 rail trips per annum. In addition, the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy (strategy) sets the agenda for a collaborative approach to deliver actions by governments and industry across all freight modes. The strategy identifies resilience as a National Priority Action Area alongside productivity, decarbonisation and data. The strategy includes an action to define and model the current freight and supply chain network. Part of this action will be to consider network capacity, bottlenecks and modal share along key routes. This action is slated for delivery in 2026. 

The government has committed to a review of the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme in 2025–26. The review will consider if the scheme could better support Tasmanian businesses to compete in other markets, recognising that, unlike their mainland counterparts, Tasmanian shippers do not have the option of transporting goods interstate by road or rail. The review will also consider the role of the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme in reducing the cost of passenger vehicles being moved across Bass Strait.

Response: The Australian Government agrees in-principle to the aspects relating to the development of place-based facilities, and notes aspects relating to a manufacturing facility in northern Australia designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.

The government’s consideration of manufacturing precincts is detailed in Recommendation 8. Industry-led proposals for food and beverage manufacturing facilities, investment and other support can also be considered through programs such as the National Reconstruction Fund and Industry Growth Program. 

The government is committed to increasing food manufacturing, security, innovation and resilience, including in Northern Australia and for First Nations businesses and regional communities. The government funds several service providers, such as Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) to deliver business support services and improve access to capital to First Nations businesses and entrepreneurs. IBA provides support at all stages of business development, with a focus on early start-up businesses. The Indigenous Business and Employment Hubs program has hub offices located in Western Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin and Alice Springs. The hubs support First Nations businesses based in predominantly metropolitan and regional areas by providing business capability development services and referral to mainstream and First Nations-specific supports. The Business Solutions Program delivers business finance products, business support services and business skills workshops to First Nations entrepreneurs in urban, regional and remote Australia. Many Rivers Microfinance Limited delivers microbusiness support and community economic development support through their Microenterprise Development and Community Economic Development programs.

Response: The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The government acknowledges the ongoing advocacy of parts of the organics industry for domestic regulation, including a legislated definition of the term ‘organic’. Any approach to the domestic regulation of the organics industry would require consideration of policy and regulatory issues including costs, interactions with state and territory laws and international agreements.

While parts of the organics industry continue to advocate for a legislated definition, the term “organic” is not defined by either the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or under Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

There are a range of protections already in place to ensure that businesses making an ‘organic’ claim can prove that claim. The ACL prohibits businesses from engaging in misleading or deceptive conduct, and from making false or misleading representations. It is enforced by state and territory ACL regulators, as well as the ACCC.

To protect Australian consumers from false and misleading conduct, all foods produced or imported for sale in Australia and New Zealand, including organic food, must meet all relevant requirements under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code developed and maintained by FSANZ.

Response: The Australian Government agrees in-principle to this recommendation.

The Australian Government develops food labelling standards in consultation with the states and territories, which are adopted simultaneously across all Australian jurisdictions. The Commonwealth coordinates on food regulation system matters through the Food Ministers’ Meeting, the Food Regulation Standing Committee and the Implementation Subcommittee for Food Regulation. These forums engage state and territory jurisdictions, the New Zealand Government and local councils.

During the standards development process, the government seeks to minimise costs and disruption associated with the introduction of new labelling requirements through consideration of appropriate transition periods and stock-in-trade provisions, allowing food businesses to incorporate regulatory changes into routine label updates where possible. These implementation measures are considered alongside public health and safety considerations, and through consultation with impacted food industry sectors. 

One example is the introduction of plain English allergen labelling in 2021, which had a 3-year transition period followed by a 2-year stock-in-trade provision, balancing consumer safety with the substantial challenges faced by industry during COVID-19. Similarly, the introduction of mandatory pregnancy warning labels in 2020 had a 3-year transition period and an unlimited stock-in-trade provision, recognising the cost and practicality of re-labelling products that require aging/cellaring.

FSANZ, as the independent statutory authority responsible for developing and maintaining the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, is currently exploring the introduction of a common commencement date for future labelling changes introduced by the food regulatory system. Consultation with key stakeholder groups is ongoing. 

Response: The Australian Government agrees in-principle to this recommendation.

Australia’s joint food regulation system allows food producers and businesses to innovate in how they provide information to consumers.

The government recognises that digital technologies, such as QR codes, verified credentials and digital product passports, can provide consumers with expanded information with the potential to drive competition, minimise food waste, and support healthy and informed choices. Since 2018, the Australian Government has committed over $127 million towards continuous improvement of agricultural traceability, supporting producers and manufacturers to demonstrate provenance and expand information available to consumers and exporters. FSANZ is currently exploring how digital technologies on food labels can leverage this enhanced supply chain traceability to expand consumer information. 

The government also recognises the importance of maintaining consumer access to safety and nutrition information in digital environments. Labelling information that is mandatory on physical food labels is not always available to online shoppers at point‑of‑sale. The Food Regulation Standing Committee and FSANZ are considering how food labelling information requirements should apply to online shipping environments to better support healthy and informed consumers. Maintaining consumer access to core safety and nutrition information as well as compliance with the Australian Consumer Law, remains essential.

Response: The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The establishment of House Select Committees is a matter for the Parliament. House Select Committees are appointed, as the need arises, by a resolution of the House. 

The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

This issue could be considered as part of any broader inquiry into all aspects of the alcohol sector, as recommended by the Committee in Recommendation 16.

Response: The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

In 2018, the government awarded Fight Food Waste Limited (FFWL) a $30 million grant to be used over a ten-year funding term, ending in 2028. The grant supported FFWL to establish the Fight Food Waste CRC. The objectives of the CRC are to:

• reduce food waste throughout the supply chain
• transform unavoidable waste into innovative high-value co-products
• engage with industry and consumers to deliver behavioural change

The government provided the grant under the CRC Program (administered by DISR). CRCs are entities established independent of government, to support activities in the grant agreement. The CRC Program guidelines do not allow for funding beyond the initial grant amount and term; and require all CRCs to undertake transition planning. This assists CRCs to prepare for the period after their grant funding ends. It also helps them to maximise their outcomes and impacts into the future.

From 2020–24, the government provided FFWL a $4 million one-off, ad hoc grant to Stop Food Waste Australia (SFWA).** SFWA was a governance entity helping to deliver the National Food Waste Strategy. The grant also supported SFWA to deliver food waste avoidance initiatives across the food supply chain including the Australian Food Pact (Pact) and sector-specific action plans (SAPs). The grant agreement expected SFWA to transition to a self-funded model by the end of the grant period, with Pact membership fees and partnership contributions generating ongoing revenue. 

In 2023, the government awarded FFWL a $10 million one-off, ad hoc grant^ supporting them to develop and launch ‘The Great Unwaste’. This campaign is helping to reduce food waste from Australian households. 

FFWL changed their named to End Food Waste Australia Limited in November 2023. The change unified the Fight Food Waste CRC and SFWA under one brand, End Food Waste Australia (EFWA). EFWA’s organisational structure includes the following work programs partially funded by the Australian Government:

• End Food Waste CRC (the former Fight Food Waste CRC)
• Industry Action (incorporating the Pact and SAPs)
• Nationwide Consumer Behaviour Change Campaign (delivering ‘The Great Unwaste’ campaign) 

Response: The Australian Government agrees in principle to this recommendation.

The government’s 2024 National Circular Economy Framework is driving circular economy transition efforts. Since February 2023, the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group has provided advice to the government on opportunities and challenges associated with Australia’s transition to a more materials efficient circular economy, including manufacturing in the food system. All levels of government, industry and the not-for-profit sector are taking actions to reduce packaging and food waste under Australia’s National Waste Policy Action Plan, which sets a sustainable path for the management of Australia’s waste and resource recovery efforts. 

EFWA’s work on the Pact and SAPs also support businesses to reduce food waste. The Pact is bringing together food businesses across the supply chain to voluntarily commit to reducing their food waste. SAPs identify solutions to tackle food waste in hotspot sectors. SAPs have been developed for several sectors including bread and bakery, dairy and the food cold chain. 

CSIRO is also driving Australia’s transition towards a circular economy. CSIRO partners with manufacturers to turn food and agricultural waste into high-value products such as animal and aquaculture feed, shelf-stable ingredients and nutritious snacks through collaborative R&D and its involvement in the Circular Economy Research Network Asia Pacific (CERN–APAC).

Depending on the nature of the proposal, food waste related projects may also be eligible to apply for funding as part of the National Reconstruction Fund, Industry Growth Program and other government programs.

Response: The Australian Government agrees in-principle to the elements relating to the development of manufacturing hubs and precincts as detailed in Recommendation 8 and notes the elements relating to the creation of an Upcycled Food Infrastructure Investment Plan.

The government’s consideration of manufacturing precincts is detailed in Recommendation 8. The government’s support for reducing food waste and upcycling opportunities is detailed in the responses to Recommendations 18 and 19.

Response: The Australian Government notes this recommendation.

The government is working with all jurisdictions to consider options to reform the regulation of packaging. This may include consideration of mandatory packaging design requirements, minimum recycled content requirements, and removing harmful chemicals from use in packaging.

To help bolster circularity across the economy, CSIRO’s research is supporting Australian businesses to transition to sustainable practices. CSIRO’s Ending Plastic Waste initiative provides technical expertise in packaging for different uses and design requirements to meet circularity. CSIRO is working with industry through place-based approaches to close the loop on packaging, such as the Bega Circular Valley Plastics work stream which includes Pact Group, a company specialising in circular economy solutions for packaging, reuse, recycling and contract manufacturing. In addition, the government is providing $8.5 million towards a National Circular Economy Centre in Bega, to showcase the circular economy transition of the Bega Valley, and act as a beacon for circularity efforts across the country.

Response: The Australian Government agrees in-principle to this recommendation.

Every state and territory now operates a container deposit scheme. State and territory governments are already working together to harmonise their schemes through the Environment Ministers’ Meeting. The government supports the harmonisation of container deposit schemes, including simplifying the application system for businesses, improving public uptake of the program, and ensuring the schemes are as aligned as possible to drive recovery and recycling rates.

Response: The Australian Government agrees in-principle this recommendation.

The government’s Net Zero Plan guides Australia’s transition to the legislated target of net zero by 2050. The plan sets out government priorities, policies and measures to reduce emissions, and support investment in low emissions and renewable activities. The Net Zero Plan is underpinned by 6 sectoral decarbonisation plans that cover all major sources of emissions across the economy, including the Industry Sector Plan, which guides the decarbonisation trajectory for Australia’s food and beverage manufacturers. 

The Australian Government is providing funding that supports the decarbonisation of the food and beverage industry. For example, ARENA has provided $7.38 million for McCain to reduce their gas consumption through innovative electrification technologies through the Powering the Regions Fund Industrial Transformation Stream, and $3.68 million for EnelX for a commercial refrigeration flexible demand project through ARENA’s Advancing Renewables Program, among other projects. In addition, DCCEEW’s Powering the Regions Fund Safeguard Transformation Stream has provided up to $44.46 million to Shoalhaven Starches to upgrade their energy efficiency.

Australia’s Circular Economy Framework also recognises the significant opportunity the food and agriculture sector presents in achieving net zero targets. As a material‑heavy sector, incorporating circular economy activities in food and agriculture can result in reduced carbon emissions associated with operations.