Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner Bill 2024
Plain English Summary
Overview
This bill establishes the Queensland Food Farmers' Commissioner, an independent statutory office created in response to the Supermarket Pricing Select Committee's recommendations. The Commissioner will support Queensland farmers in their dealings with major supermarkets by improving price transparency, addressing power imbalances, and providing a safe avenue for complaints about unfair supplier practices.
Who it affects
Queensland farmers gain an independent advocate to help with supermarket disputes and unfair supplier arrangements. Consumers may benefit from greater transparency in food pricing and supply chains.
Key changes
- Creates the Queensland Food Farmers' Commissioner as an independent statutory office, appointed for up to 3 years with one possible reappointment
- Commissioner serves as the primary contact point for farmers and helps them understand supermarket supplier arrangements
- Commissioner can investigate and publish reports on issues affecting farmers and consumers, including improper business practices by supermarkets
- Establishes information-sharing arrangements with government agencies, the ACCC, and Food Standards Australia New Zealand
- Unauthorised disclosure of confidential information carries a penalty of 50 penalty units
- The Act must be reviewed after 4 years to assess its effectiveness
Bill Story
The journey of this bill through Parliament, including debate and recorded votes.
▸Committee20 Aug 2024View Hansard
Referred to Health, Environment and Agriculture Committee
▸Second Reading21 Aug 2024View Hansard
Strongly supported the bill as a member of the Supermarket Pricing Select Committee, praising the Premier's vision and thanking local farmers who contributed to the inquiry.
“How dare the major retailers in this country try to silence the voices of those salt-of-the-earth people who work hard so that all of us can enjoy fresh produce?”— 2024-08-21View Hansard
Acknowledged the need to hold supermarkets to account but criticised the bill as cynical pre-election legislation after a decade of government inaction on farmers' costs, arguing the government itself has increased costs for producers.
“In an act of political cynicism, this is only urgent legislation because there is an election in 66 days. After a decade of being in power, the government has suddenly discovered that farmers are doing it tough.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard
Supported the bill as a member of the Supermarket Pricing Select Committee, highlighting the power imbalance between growers and supermarkets and the fear of retribution faced by producers.
“It was quite heartbreaking for me on this committee to hear examples of quality produce actually being ploughed back into the ground and it never even made it off the farm.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard
As a member of the Supermarket Pricing Select Committee, expressed dismay at supermarket practices including 180-day payment terms for growers and supported the commissioner as a place for farmers to seek advice and lodge complaints.
“If I went into Coles or Woolies and walked out with my shopping and said, 'I'll be back in 180 days to pay my bill,' I would be charged with shoplifting.”— 2024-08-21View Hansard