Ann Sudmalis (Gilmore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

For some time, my concern for local dairy farmers has been a priority. Collectively, we need to change the public idea that a dollar per litre of milk is somehow acceptable when we pay double that for water. I welcome the Australian Dairy Farmers call for a mandatory code of conduct for the dairy sector. Our local farmers want to see change in the industry so they get a better deal. The ADF stressed that a future mandatory code must include an independent dispute resolution procedure, with small claims to be investigated, and must outlaw respective milk price step-downs, enforce contract and price transparency, and be reviewed within three years, including an assessment of the code's effectiveness. The ACCC commissioner, Mick Keogh, said:

A mandatory code of conduct would address problems arising from the large imbalance in bargaining power and information that exists between dairy farmers and processors.

Currently, processors can impose milk prices and other terms of milk supply contract terms—

including a contract with no selling price on it—

that are heavily weighted in their favour—

and not that of the dairy farmer. He continues:

Some milk supply contracts also contain terms that restrict farmers’ ability to change processors for a better offer.

To get a better deal.

Minister Littleproud has worked with Woolworths and they are prepared to support the Aussie dairy farmers by paying them an additional 10c on each litre of milk. Shame on Coles for not doing the same. Our farmers deserve better pay for their milk.