Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Wine and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Tuesday 11 August 2026

Continued from Wednesday 1 July 2026.

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate focused on the Wine and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, which facilitates information sharing between Wine Australia and the ACCC to support a mandatory code of conduct. The National Party supported the bill as necessary administrative reform but criticised the government for failing to address structural oversupply in the wine industry. Darren Chester argued that while the bill was sensible, it did not resolve the crisis facing growers due to falling prices and global consumption trends. He called for a coordinated transition plan and funding to help growers exit the industry or repurpose land, noting that the government had instead cut support programs. The debate concluded with the matter adjourned to resume later.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned with leave granted to resume at a later hour.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Darren Chester (Gippsland) (National Party) Nationals

Chester stated that the coalition supported the bill because it involved no additional costs to growers and addressed administrative needs identified in the Emerson review. Chester explained that the legislation enables Wine Australia to share information with the ACCC to support the mandatory code of conduct scheduled for January 2027. Chester noted that the bill extends civil penalties for misuse of protected information to cover new disclosure powers and allows ABARES to share levy payer details with contractors for surveys. Chester emphasised that the bill does not alter levy amounts or calculation methods. However, he argued that the legislation fails to address the severe structural challenges facing the wine sector, including significant oversupply and falling prices.