Rural & Agriculture
19 July, 2026
Help to build a stronger wine industry
THE Federal Government has introduced new legislation to boost Australia’s wine industry. The legislation supports the Government’s response to Dr Craig Emerson’s Review of regulatory options for the wine and grape sector, which includes a mandatory code of conduct for wine grape purchases to address unfair trading practices in the wine and grape sector.
Dr Emerson’s independent review identified systemic contracting and bargaining power issues that could not be addressed through the existing voluntary code.
The review recommended a mandatory code to deliver clearer and more consistent trading arrangements between winegrape growers and winemakers.
The Bill will strengthen Wine Australia’s ability to gather important industry information through surveys of grape and wine producers.
This information may be shared with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to support enforcing and administering the proposed mandatory code.
The Government says it is listening to growers, who have long been advocating for changes in the sector amid a global oversupply of wine and declining consumption rates that has created challenging market conditions.
Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has delivered over $90 million in funding to support the grape and wine sector, acknowledging how critical this industry is to Australia.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins said extra support for the wine industry is warranted.
“Australian wine is world-class and an important contributor to regional economies and agricultural exports, which is why we’re backing this sector.
“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to improving fairness, transparency and confidence for grape growers and winemakers right across the supply chain.
“This Bill is an important step towards a fairer winegrape supply chain, giving growers and winemakers greater confidence and transparency,” she said.