Member Matters

Food for thought: Policy meets the production line

19 November 2025

This month, we headed to Sydney for a roundtable with Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins, right after checking out the Snackbrands factory. A big thank-you to Snackbrands for hosting us and exhibiting their impressive work. It was a great way to showcase innovation in action and highlight the power of connection, bringing government, industry, and members together for real conversations about the future of our sector.

Seeing manufacturing in action really brings policy to life. The visit gave the Minister a firsthand look at the scale of our operations, the jobs we create, the challenges we’re tackling and a clear sense of just how important our sector is.

The roundtable built on those insights, focusing on how we can strengthen Australia’s manufacturing base, support sustainable growth, and ensure a resilient, locally made food supply.

Moments like this show why advocacy matters. Showing senior Ministers what we are achieving and how this work supports competition, innovation, and long-term growth across Australia’s food and grocery sector.

Over in Nutrition and Regulation, the team has been busy working on a few key submissions. Right now, we’re focusing on the Caffeine Review, the Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) Review Preliminary Position Paper, and the Policy Guideline on Information Requirements for Prepackaged Foods Sold Online. It’s all about making sure policy keeps up with innovation and that both consumers and the industry have access to clear, consistent information.

And with the holiday season approaching, it’s a good reminder that connection isn’t just for boardrooms. Sometimes it’s best enjoyed over an end of year party, a mince pie (or two), and maybe even a cheeky cold one!

Scott McGrath
Director, Stakeholders, Engagement & Policy