What the food and grocery sector needs from the next government

6 March 2025

The food and grocery sector is the key ingredient for a resilient Australia—and with the upcoming Federal election, now is the time to ensure our industry’s needs are heard loud and clear.

That’s why AFGC has just released The Recipe for Success: A Checklist for a Stronger Food and Grocery Sector, outlining the urgent actions needed to strengthen food security, drive investment, and create long-term sustainability.

We are taking this message to the media, government, and political leaders to push for real change. But we need your help—share this document with your colleagues and networks to amplify our collective voice.

Here’s what we’re challenging the government to do:

• Invest in resilient supply chains – Strengthen vital connections like the East-West Rail and improve infrastructure to protect the delivery of essential goods nationwide.
• Tax incentives for investment – Encourage automation, energy efficiency, and advanced technology upgrades to boost productivity and sustainability.
• Fix food regulation delays – Increase funding for FSANZ to speed up critical regulatory processes and support innovation.
• Drive renewable energy adoption – Support industry-wide shifts to clean energy solutions.
• Harmonise packaging rules – One nation, one plan—streamline national packaging regulations to boost circularity and reduce complexity.

For the full list of priorities, check out The Recipe for Success here.

This is a pivotal moment for our industry. Let’s work together to make sure decision-makers prioritise food and grocery manufacturing. If you have any questions or would like to discuss how these priorities impact your business, reach out the team.

Contact

For more information, please contact maguy.keleko@afgc.org.au or zandi.shabalala@afgc.org.au

Shalini Valecha
Acting Director – Industry Affairs