Member Matters

Food for thought: November 2024

20 November 2024

Well, here we are – the final sprint of 2024. Just two sitting weeks left before MPs race out of Canberra for their end-of-year break, and they’re eager to get a few last-minute wins on the board. We’ll be watching closely to see what they try to push through before the year officially wraps up, especially anything that could affect our industry. 

And, of course, 2025 means election season is around the corner. It’s clear that this will be a close race. With the cost-of-living crisis front and centre, political parties will be jostling to show voters how they’ll tackle it. On our side, we’re making it clear that these rising costs are hitting both consumers and the businesses working hard to keep shelves stocked – no small feat under today’s pressures. 

This year, from sustainability to preventive health, we’ve been pushing for smart, balanced approaches on the issues that matter. Most recently, we wrapped up public hearings into the ACCC’s supermarket inquiry, where AFGC represented the industry’s perspective before the retailers gave their testimonies.   A final report will be presented to the government in February 2025. 

Meanwhile, we’ll be keeping a close watch on the environment ministers’ meeting in early December for any signals on regulatory changes that could impact packaging, sustainability, or emissions targets. We’ll keep members in the loop as things develop. 

So, as we head into the last stretch of 2024, we want to thank you for your energy, support, and resilience this year. Hoping you get a breather over the break – we’ve got a big year ahead. 

Scott McGrath
Director – Government and Media Relations