The Coalition Government has confirmed its commitment to introduce a mandatory Code of Conduct to apply to growers, millers and marketers in the sugar industry.
The draft Code of Conduct will ensure grower choice in marketing and that all parties have access to arbitration and mediation. It will provide certainty for the industry and assist in the prevention of future disputes.
The Deputy Prime Minister has consistently and publicly stated the Commonwealth Government would implement a code if necessary to provide certainty for the industry and he thanks local Coalition MPs George Christensen and Michelle Landry along with State LNP Leader Tim Nicholls for their work with cane growers and millers.
The Queensland Labor Government’s threats to repeal that state’s Sugar Industry (Real Choice in Marketing) Amendment Bill 2015 make it increasingly important to have an overarching Commonwealth Code of Conduct to provide certainty to the industry.
The Turnbull Government has engaged in constructive discussions with sugar industry representatives. The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer met with cane growers in Canberra recently. Last month the Deputy Prime Minister travelled to north Queensland where he met and spoke with an estimated 1000 cane farmers about the industry impasse.
The Treasurer has also held discussions with affected millers and marketers that resulted in a commercial agreement being reached that is compliant with current Queensland legislation.