Far-reaching reforms are being implemented to simplify the giving of certifications by the Australian Government for agricultural and food exports. According to the Federal Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), the reforms aim to reduce “chronic regulatory burdens” and will provide an environment that supports and enhances export market access from Australia. New industry service models for all Australian food export commodities – meat, fish, dairy, grain,... ...Read more »

The harmonisation of certain wine labelling and food regulation laws in Australia have helped improve the competitiveness of Australian industry, according to a new report from the Productivity Commission. A ‘discussion draft’ report, titled ‘Impacts of Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Reforms: Business Regulation and VET’, was released today by the Productivity Commission. The Productivity Commission is the Australian Government’s independent research and advisory body. The... ...Read more »

The Canadian Government has announced it will reform the way it regulates energy drinks in Canada. Energy drinks are non-alcoholic beverages characterised by the addition of ‘energy enhancing’ ingredients. These may include a number of water-soluble B vitamins, amino acids and other substances, and caffeine. The proposed Canadian legislation includes: A cap on the amount of caffeine that can be included in an energy drink at 180 mg per single serving. In addition to current labels that... ...Read more »

The Australian Food and Grocery Council said today that commitments by both of the major political parties to reforming anti-dumping laws in Australia will benefit Australia’s food manufacturers. Dumping occurs when goods are imported into the domestic market at below production cost or through unlawful subsidies from other foreign governments. The AFGC said that smaller Australian food manufacturers are hit hard by these practices. Yesterday, the Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott launched... ...Read more »

The non-profit Alcohol Education & Rehabilitation Foundation (AER Foundation) today presented a report to the Australian Government calling for urgent reform of taxes on wine in Australia. The report “Alcohol Taxation Reform – Starting with the Wine Equalisation Tax”, was produced by leading economic consultants the Allen Consulting Group, commissioned by the AER Foundation. The AER Foundation report claims that Federal Government would earn an extra $1.5 billion by applying similar tax... ...Read more »

The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has announced an agreement with Opposition and Greens senators to facilitate Senate passage of a $127.4 million industry reform program. The agreement will enable the Senate to reverse its previous decision from September to block new export certification fees and charges to return industry to full cost recovery. “This is the largest reform in a generation and has the overwhelming support of the red meat, dairy, grain, fish, horticulture... ...Read more »

The climate is now right for Australia to embark on a third wave of competition and consumer policy law reform, ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said today. The proposed reforms already foreshadowed to the Trade Practices Act 1974, include changes to the misuse of market power and predatory pricing provisions, legislating against so-called creeping acquisitions, the introduction of criminal sanctions for cartel conduct and reforms to the whole framework of consumer protection. Mr Samuel said... ...Read more »