The Queensland Government is appointing an interim Food Farmer Commissioner with the aim to help integrate farmers with supermarkets and the supply chain.
Former AgForce Queensland CEO, Charles Burke, becomes the first Food Farmer Commissioner for an initial 12-month term.
Burke’s first regional visit as Commissioner was to Bundaberg where he met with local farmers and industry stakeholders to discuss pressing issues.
“The creation of this post will improve price transparency, create a safe environment for complaints and action to be taken, and redress the unbalanced relationship between suppliers and supermarkets”, said Burke.
The role is one of eight recommendations made by the Supermarket Pricing Select Committee and hears allegations from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) about false discount pricing in large supermarkets.
“It’s important for all Queenslanders that farmers‘ voices are heard and that’s exactly what the role of the Food Farmer Commissioner will help to do”, said Supermarket Pricing Select Committee Chair and Member for Bundaberg, Tom Smith.
The position will not only be a point of contact for matters affecting farmers but will also provide a key point of contract for the industry within government.
Premier Steven Miles hopes the appointment will reduce the cost of living for Queenslanders and bring a fairer deal for farmers, consumers and those in the supply chain.