Government pays a visit to Brisbane Markets

Last week, the BML Chairman Tony Joseph, hosted a visit to the Markets by the new Director General of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QDPI&F), Rob Setter, and the Executive Director, Industry & Investment, Sue Ryan.

The visit included a walk around the trading floor area, discussions with a number of wholesalers and a more detailed briefing and exchange of views regarding the role and development of the Brisbane Markets, and the direction of the QDPI&F.

The Brisbane Markets are an important part of the supply chain for fresh fruit and vegetables, and it is important that the fresh produce industry as a whole gets the recognition it deserves.  BML looks forward to working with the QDPI&F in advancing the interests of the industry.

On a separate note, a recent media release by the ACCC identified that a Brisbane Markets based wholesaler has been the subject of action relating to the requirements of the Horticulture Code of Conduct.

The ACCC's investigation related to technical breaches of the Code, and again highlights the difficulties which both growers and wholesalers (traders) have in complying with a number of the prescriptive requirements of the existing Code.

As the ACCC has made recommendations that the Code be amended to allow for the imposition of random audits and monetary penalties where breaches are identified, it is now important that there are other amendments to the Code to ensure it is practical and workable for all parties.