Member Matters

Budget 2025

19 March 2025

In an unexpected turn of events, the Federal budget will be handed down on March 25. There goes the safe bet on an April election. 

As the Albanese Government’s pre-election Budget, it will be delivered in an environment even more politicised than usual. We also can safely bank there will be significant cost-of-living relief and a focus on Australia’s energy future.   

For the food and grocery sector, we will be looking for greater recognition that Australia must invest in key infrastructure to secure supply chains. Recent disruptions to food and grocery supply chains due to floods in Queensland and Cyclone Alfred have underscored this need. We don’t have to go too far back to find several more examples though.  

We will continue to emphasise that relief for food and grocery manufacturers means safeguarding the thousands of rural and regional jobs this sector supports. Not to mention our $163 billion contribution to the nation’s coffers. It would also help ensure that iconic Australian brands continue to operate onshore. Our Election Asks document outlines these priorities in detail and plans ahead what our post-election strategy will likely look like.

Scott McGrath
Director, Government and Media Relations