Grape Prices

In reply to the Hon. R.A. SIMMS ().4 March 2025).

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries): I have been advised:

The government is broadly supportive of industry codes of conduct to achieve beneficial commercial outcomes within a specific commodity sector.

I note there is currently other important work being done in this space which should inform any proposed changes to the code of conduct. In August 2024, the federal government announced Dr Craig Emerson would undertake independent impact analysis of the grape and wine sector's current rules concerning fair trading, competitive relationships, contracting practices and risk allocation. I understand that Dr Emerson's report is due for publication shortly.

I am supportive that further investigation is undertaken to determine the optimal model for a national wine code of conduct to provide greater certainty in the sector.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has been fulfilling a key role on National Viticulture and Wine Sector Working Group which has undertaken extensive industry consultation and is addressing a multitude of issues as our wine sector nationwide experiences significant hardship.