A review of Australia’s Horticulture Code of Conduct (the Code) was announced in late January by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon. Julie Collins MP, which will consider whether the Code is still “fit-for-purpose and operating as intended”.
Brisbane Markets Limited Managing Director and CEO and Brismark CEO, Andrew Young, said the review is timely, noting the Code has not undergone a comprehensive assessment in more than a decade.
“It is important that the Code remains workable, practical and fit-for-purpose so Brisbane Markets Wholesalers can continue to competitively facilitate the marketing and distribution of fresh produce across a wide range of industry sectors,” Mr Young said.
The Brisbane Markets plays a vital role as Queensland’s heart of fresh produce and the state’s most important centre for the marketing and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables. As such, it is essential that the Code supports the effective operation of the Markets’ role in the supply chain.
Brisbane Markets Limited and Brismark will make a direct submission responding to the issues raised in the Code Consultation Paper and will also work with national peak body Fresh Markets Australia (FMA) to develop a coordinated national submission and engagement strategy.
“We are advocating for a Code that is workable, productivity-focused, protects merchant trading, maintains practical transparency, reduces unnecessary red tape and supports businesses rather than burdening them,” Mr Young said.
“We see this review as an opportunity for the Government and the fresh produce industry more generally to recognise and support the Central Markets System — not create new challenges and add additional costs — through ensuring relevant and commercially focused regulations imposed fairly and equally on all parties.”
The review, led by Mr Chris Leptos AO, will run through February and March. It will examine how industry needs have evolved over the past decade and consider whether the Code should be repealed, retained in its current form, or updated.
The Consultation Paper notes that the review will assess the Code’s impact on commercial relationships between Growers and Wholesalers, the appropriateness of penalties for breaches, and the regulatory burden on Growers and traders. It will also consider the effectiveness of the Code in ensuring transparency, clarity of transactions and fair dispute resolution, as well as levels of awareness, compliance issues, the scope of the Code and potential improvements.
More information, including the Horticulture Code of Conduct Review Consultation Paper, is available at https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/horticulturecodereview. Submissions close Friday, 6 March 2026.
