-
Posted by David Sexton
- |
-
29 Jul, 2026
FEDERAL agriculture minister Julie Collins says a streamlined, competitive grain export sector is crucial given big changes occurring in the global trade environment.
Speaking at the Australian Grains Industry Conference in Melbourne, Ms Collins said “trade would remain a central part of the future success of your [grain] industry here”.
“We have worked really hard to strengthen our relationships internationally and we continue to do that, particularly with our key trading partners including China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam,” she told the gathering, noting progress with market access agreements.
“But we also know… the global trading environment is changing and changing rapidly.
“That is why our approach needs to remain coordinated, strategic and outward looking to ensure our sector remains globally competitive and trusted in the global market.”
Ms Collins said competitiveness depended upon not only on market access, but also on the right regulatory system that supports industry growth.
“That is why we are streamlining the Wheat Port Code of Conduct and I have been working with industry on that for some time,” she said.
Following a government review, the current code is being streamlined for a three-year period starting 1 October 2026 to transition to an industry self-regulatory framework.
Ms Collins also spoke of biosecurity and “that in a period of heightened global uncertainty, biosecurity never has been more important”.
“We also know our biosecurity system is one of the greatest competitive advantages we have,” she said.
“I want to assure so many of you that we remain committed to maintain strong protections while also supporting trade and the movement of critical goods.”
Ms Collins also used the conference to officially launch the Grain Storage Assets and Management Standard (GSAMS) Scheme.
Grain Trade Australia (GTA), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), developed GSAMS as a new alternative pathway to strengthen Australia's grain storage and quality assurance framework.
The scheme aligns with GTA’s Australian Grain Industry Code of Practice and provides “a consistent approach to grain storage and management across the domestic and export supply chain”.
