Wine and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading

Opened the debate

Collins moved that the bill be read a second time, highlighting the economic contribution of the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors. Collins argued that the amendments to the Wine Act would enable Wine Australia to conduct surveys and support regulatory transparency in grape purchasing. The member stated that the bill implements recommendations from the Dr Craig Emerson review regarding binding offers and public pricing in specific regions. Collins also noted that the changes would allow information sharing with the ACCC to enforce a mandatory code of conduct. Furthermore, the member explained that amendments to the collection act would permit ABARES to share personal data with third parties to facilitate agricultural surveys.

Government response

Collins emphasised that the bill strengthens the Wine Act by enabling surveys and supporting the operation of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. The minister stated that the measures respond to the Dr Craig Emerson review by requiring earlier binding offers and public pricing for grape contracts in key regions. Collins argued that authorising information disclosure to the ACCC is essential for regulating the proposed mandatory code of conduct. Regarding ABARES, the minister explained that allowing confidential disclosure of personal information to third parties would improve the quality of annual agricultural surveys. Collins assured that existing privacy safeguards and the Privacy Act would protect personal information handled by the department.