Member Matters

Polls, power and pricing take centre stage

16 April 2025

If the next few months had a soundtrack, it’d be a dramatic drumroll. With a Federal election locked in for May 3 and rising global trade tensions bubbling away, it’s safe to say we’re heading into a perfect political storm.

Each of these issues could command the nation’s full attention on its own—together, they’re setting the scene for an intensive news cycle.

Cost of living has emerged as one of the top election topics. Labor has promised to ban supermarket price gouging, and we expect retail and grocery pricing to become a headline theme as the campaign continues.

Energy policy is also front and centre, with both major parties rolling out big promises in political ads, debates and campaign stops. What’s clear is Australia’s energy challenge is now a major election issue – with real implications for our sector.

The AFGC has already identified energy as a strategic priority. In response, we’re working with Oxford Economics and AFGC-led member working groups to map the current and future energy needs of our industry, the investment barriers, and the policy levers needed to fix them.

We’re cutting through the noise to provide the evidence and the voice that positions the food and grocery sector as central to any serious energy strategy. Our findings will be shared with members soon, so stay tuned.

Elsewhere, APCO has released a proposed new fee model for sustainable packaging and are seeking industry feedback. The model includes a base fee and an EPR fee, both aimed at helping fund better recycling and infrastructure. AFGC will make a submission and encourages members to review the proposal and send feedback by 5 May.

This month also saw the updated Food and Grocery Code of Conduct kick in. We have plenty of training and documents to help members with the many changes so please get in touch.

Scott McGrath
Director, Government and Media Relations