The Federal Budget was delivered on May 13 to a mixed response as the Government seeks to exhibit a fiscally conservative attitude to the Australian economy. There was consequently a mix of good and bad news for members of the food industry amidst a budget which delivered a record surplus of $21.7 billion. Food producers and manufacturers were winners to some degree but it appears food retail were provided with minimal benefit from the budget. Regional Food Producers Innovation and Productivity... ...Read more »

The Federal Budget always has great implications on businesses and provided below is a number of opinions from select industry groups. Australian Retailers Association The peak industry group in Australia’s retail sector has said that the budget delivers “the good, the bad, and the ugly” for Australian retailers. “By delivering on promises, Australians will benefit from tax cuts of $46.7 billion over four years which will hopefully flow back into a stalled retail consumer... ...Read more »

The Chinese Government have outlined a draft food safety law which will ensure harsher penalties for producers breaking the law. The new law would pave the way for judges to give a life sentence to anyone responsible for substandard food production. For lesser violations offenders can expect fines, income confiscation and/or cancellation of licences. According to the official news agency (Xinhua), the government is seeking public comments and opinions on the law until May 20. Chinese people... ...Read more »