Wine and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading

Continued the debate

Hume stated that the coalition supported the bill as a sensible measure to lay legislative groundwork for a mandatory code of conduct. Hume explained that Schedule 1 allows Wine Australia to share information with the ACCC, while Schedule 2 permits ABARES to share levy payer contact details with contractors. Hume emphasised that the bill does not alter levy amounts or structures but introduces safeguards against misuse of shared information. Hume argued that while the bill addresses bargaining power imbalances, it fails to resolve the sector's structural crisis, including significant oversupply and falling prices. Hume criticised the government for abolishing the Wine, Tourism and Cellar Door Grant program and ignoring industry requests for targeted financial support.

Government response

Green affirmed the government's commitment to supporting the profitability and resilience of the grape and wine sector. Green noted that the amendments modernise the Wine Australia Act by enabling industry surveys and establishing an information management framework with appropriate safeguards. Green highlighted that the government has provided over $95 million in support to the sector since July 2022. Green stated that these changes strengthen the ability of Wine Australia and ABARES to conduct research and support the industry's long-term viability.