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The Competition and Consumer (Industry Code—Sugar) Regulations 2017 (the Sugar Code) is scheduled to be automatically repealed, or ‘sunset’, on 1 October 2027.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.
Written submissions & survey
To inform the review, we invited written 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 submissions were received 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.
Submissions we received permission to publish are available on this page.
Targeted consultation
The Sugar Code Review team met with key stakeholders in Brisbane, including grower and miller industry representatives, sugar milling companies, sugar marketers, and the Queensland state government.
The department subsequently undertook targeted consultation across key Queensland sugar-growing regions between 3 and 14 August 2026, including Bundaberg, Isis, Plane Creek, Mackay, Proserpine, Townsville, Ayr, Ingham, Tully, Innisfail, Gordonvale and Atherton Tablelands. This included in-person meetings with growers, millers, industry representative organisations and local government representatives. The consultation period also included public drop-in sessions, providing additional opportunities for interested stakeholders to share their views on the Code.
What happens next
We have now completed public consultation and targeted stakeholder engagement as part of the Sugar Code review.
We are currently reviewing and analysing the feedback received during our consultation period. This feedback, together with other evidence gathered throughout the review process, will inform advice to Government on options for the future of the Sugar Code of Conduct.
If you missed out on providing feedback, contact the sugar code review team at sugarcodereview@aff.gov.au
Following completion of the analysis phase, a report will be provided to Government.
Key Documents
Sunsetting Review of the Sugar Code of Conduct – Discussion Paper [Word 768 KB]