General News
9 June, 2026
Stakeholders encouraged to have say on sugar code
FEDERAL Opposition Northern Australia spokeswoman Senator Susan McDonald is encouraging cane growers, contractors, harvesting operators, mill workers and industry organisations across regional Queensland to complete the fderal government’s Sugar Code of Conduct review survey before submissions close on 16 June.
Senator McDonald said the Sugar Code had been introduced by the former Coalition government to protect growers from unequal bargaining power and ensure fair commercial negotiations across the sugar industry.
“This code was put in place for a reason and it has played a critical role in delivering certainty, transparency and fairness for cane growers,” she said.
“Now is the time for every grower, every harvesting group, every local cane organisation and every supporting industry body to make their voice heard.
“If regional communities stay silent, decisions will be made without the full picture of what is happening on the ground.”
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, whose electorate encompasses one of the largest sugar cane growing regions in North Queensland, said the sugar industry supported thousands of jobs across Queensland underpins regional economies.
“This is not just about growers and mills, it affects transport operators, local suppliers, engineering businesses, contractors, fuel distributors, regional retailers and entire communities that depend on a strong sugar sector,” he said.
“I strongly encourage every cane farmer and every supporting industry body to have their say and ensure regional Australia is heard loud and clear.”
To have a say visit www.bit.ly/4nVWWoc
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