Maffra has been chosen to host a public consultation session to help shape Australia’s first mandatory dairy code.
A dairy code public consultation session will be held at 10.30am on November 28, 2018, at the Maffra RSL, 16 Boisdale Street, Maffra.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has urged local farmers and stakeholders to take the opportunity to help improve contract negotiations between farmers and processors.
“It is important locals take the time to share their views to make sure the code will work for our local region,” Mr Chester said.
“The code aims to make contracts fairer and more transparent and will enforce a dispute resolution process.
“We all know how important the dairy industry is here in Gippsland and this code needs to be the first step to a better, stronger industry.”
The recent inquiry into the dairy industry by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) raised concerns about fairness and transparency in contracts between dairy farmers and processors.
“This is a chance for our dairy farmers and processors to share their views on a mandatory code, such as what should be included and how best to address issues including contract cooling-off periods, dispute resolution processes, enforcement of the code and limiting exclusive supply clauses,” Mr Chester said.
For more information about the code, visit https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/dairy-code-conduct.
To register to attend the public consultation session, email dairycode@agriculture.gov.au or call 1300 044 940.
