SUGAR REVIEW MUST PUT FARMERS FIRST

The Coalition has urged an upcoming review of Australia’s Sugar Code of Conduct to strengthen protections for cane growers across North Queensland.

The Federal Government has launched a review into the code which was introduced by the Coalition when in government and which is due to automatically sunset after 10 years unless renewed or remade.

Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald said the Code of Conduct had played a critical role in protecting growers from unequal bargaining power in negotiations with large milling companies and should remain in place.

“The Sugar Code of Conduct was introduced for a reason and it has proven effective,” she said.

“Cane growers often have limited leverage when negotiating with large mills, and the code provides important protections to ensure negotiations are fair and disputes can be resolved.

“We do not want to see growers lose the safeguards that have helped deliver certainty and stability across the industry.”

Senator McDonald said the review also presented an opportunity to consider how the code may apply to emerging sugar cane products and the growing biofuels sector.

“As the industry evolves into ethanol, biofuels and other value-added products, it makes sense to consult growers and industry about whether sensible adaptations are required,” she said.

“But any future changes must preserve the strong protections already provided under the code.”

Senator McDonald said upcoming shed meetings and industry consultations would be an important opportunity for growers and regional communities to have their say.

COMMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO [Member for Dawson, ANDREW WILLCOX MP]

“This review must recognise that our cane farmers are the ones taking all the risk with mother nature, while dealing with massive global price fluctuations and rising input costs,” he said.

 

“This Code was designed to level the playing field and ensure that negotiations are handled in good faith. We have already seen Labor leave regional Australians out in the cold in this week’s Budget, and we cannot afford for them to do the same with the Sugar Code.

 

“As our industry evolves into biofuels, ethanol, and other value-added products, the Code must evolve with it. We need to ensure that our cane farmers are rewarded for the innovation they bring to the sector, not just the raw product they deliver to the mill gate. 

 

“This review is the time to ensure the Code is fit for the future and provides a clear, fair pathway for farmers to benefit from the emerging bio-manufacturing and energy sector.”

COMMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO [Deputy Leader of the National Party, Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries DARREN CHESTER MP]

“The Coalition introduced the Sugar Code to give growers practical protections and a fairer playing field, and this review must strengthen those safeguards, not water them down.”

“Consultation with cane growers and industry will be crucial to making sure the government gets this right, because the people on the ground understand the pressures facing the sector.”

“There are real opportunities ahead for the sugar industry in biofuels and other value-added products, but the growers who underpin the industry need to share fairly in those benefits.”

COMMENTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO [Member for Burdekin, Queensland Minister for Regional and Rural Development DALE LAST MP]

“A decade ago the Burdekin witnessed first-hand what can happen when that safety net does not exist and those crucial negotiations are left at a stalemate. We cannot afford to see history repeat itself and our major industry facing that level of uncertainty which is why I was proud to stand with our cane growers who played an integral part in developing the sugar code. I would expect those stakeholders to be given the same level of opportunity during this review process and their input to be given the same weight.”

“Just as it was identified in the Crisafulli Government’s recent bioenergy inquiry, for our sugar industry to continue to prosper we need a coordinated approach from all parties. This means having the regulation to support to provide our farmers with the certainty they need ahead of crushing season.”

ENDS