"No appetite" for reform in Federal Budget, says AFGC

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has expressed disappointment in the Federal Budget, claiming that “there was no appetite for major, bold reform” to improve policy for Australian food and grocery manufacturers.

Dr Geoffrey Annison, AFGC Acting Chief Executive, said: “Overall, this Budget was more business-as-usual rather than a bold new plan for industry to become more competitive domestically and globally and continue to invest, innovate and create jobs.”

Dr Annison was pleased with what he called a “big ticket” item: the Federal Government’s $30 million Manufacturing Technology Innovation Centre.

“Industry also welcomed new commitments to maintaining bio-security and protection of agriculture production systems, which is critical to the food and grocery manufacturing sector,” Dr Annison said.

“Another key measure was the $3.9 million over the next four years for initiatives from the recent Review of Food Labelling Law and Policy (Blewett Review). The funding will be used to develop the National Nutrition Policy - which industry has previously applauded - and have recommended it to be part of the National Food Plan.”

The lack of new funding for a National Food Plan was criticised by Dr Annison.

“FSANZ’s proposed Nutrition, Health & Related Claims (P293) draft standard will severely stifle innovation and reduce investment by leading companies to manufacture healthier products for Australian consumers,” Dr Annison said. “Having a poorly resourced regulator will compound the problem and is not in the best interest of food and grocery manufacturers - or for Australian consumers”.

“We would urge the Government to continue to work closely with industry on reforms to ensure we have a thriving, prosperous and robust food and grocery industry that will contribute many benefits to Australia’s economy, including job opportunities, especially in rural and regional areas,” Dr Annison said.