Public consultation on the topic is closed.
What we’re doing
The Competition and Consumer (Industry Code—Sugar) Regulations 2017 (the Sugar Code) is scheduled to be automatically repealed, or ‘sunset’, on 1 October 2027. The Sugar Code regulates how Australia’s sugarcane industry operates, particularly in relation to cane supply and marketing agreements. It aims to support fairness, transparency, and clear processes across the sugar industry.
As with other industry codes, we are required to conduct a review prior to sunsetting. This review will:
examine the effect of the code
assess if it is meeting industry’s needs and objectives
provide recommendations to government on if the code should be remade in its current form, remade with amendments, or be allowed to sunset.
How you had your say
We sought feedback to help inform the review of the Sugar Code of Conduct.
We invited feedback from stakeholders across the sugar industry including:
sugarcane growers
milling companies
sugar marketers
industry representative organisations
local, state and federal government
Stakeholders provided feedback through:
an online survey
written submissions
Who engaged
283 people participated in this phase of the review. Most respondents identified as sugarcane growers.
What you said
We heard a variety of views on the efficacy of the Code in meeting industry needs and objectives. There was strong grower support for the Sugar Code being remade and its role in facilitating fair negotiations and securing grower choice in marketing. Millers noted the need for proportionate regulatory settings and that these should not undermine the commercial viability of the industry. Some submissions raised emerging issues such as biofuels and renewable energy, and the potential for industry participation in diversified value streams. Many submissions acknowledged the challenging commercial environment for sugarcane farmers and millers noting low global prices, high input costs, workforce pressures and infrastructure requirements.
What happens next
We will review and consider the feedback received as part of the Sugar Code review.
Submissions which provided the necessary permissions to be published will be made available on this page.
We are undertaking targeted consultation, including in-person engagements in key sugarcane growing regions, drop-in sessions and virtual engagements. We are organising stakeholder meetings directly with mills, grower groups and other key stakeholders in Cairns, Townsville, Tully, Ayr, Mackay, Bundaberg and Brisbane.
Following consultation, advice will be provided to Government on options for the future of the Code.
Register for a drop-in session
In addition to organised meetings with growers and mills, we will be hosting a series of in-person drop-in sessions in key sugarcane growing regions.
These sessions will provide an opportunity for industry participants to discuss the review of the Sugar Code of Conduct, ask questions and share feedback on options for the future of the Code.
Register for a consultation session via Humanitix:
https://events.humanitix.com/2026-sugar-code-of-conduct-review-drop-in-sessions
Consultation sessions are being released progressively. Additional locations and dates may be added and will be published as they are confirmed. If there is not currently a session available in your area, please check back for updates. Questions can be directed to sugarcodereview@aff.gov.au
Bundaberg – Monday 3 August 2026, 4PM-5:30PM; Tuesday 4 August 2026, 9AM-12PM.
Mackay – Wednesday 5 August 2026, 2PM-5PM.
Townsville – Friday 7 August 2026, 2PM-5PM.
Ayr – Monday, 10 August 2026, 2PM-5PM; Tuesday, 11 August 2026, 2PM-5PM
Gordonvale – TBC
Innisfail (grower session) – Thursday 13 August 2026, 11:30AM-12:30PM
Key Documents
Sunsetting Review of the Sugar Code of Conduct – Discussion Paper [Word 768 KB]