The Australian government has introduced the Wine and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026, which would implement reforms aimed at improving trading arrangements between wine grape growers and winemakers.
The proposed legislation forms part of the government’s response to the independent Review of regulatory options for the wine and grape sector, conducted by Dr Craig Emerson.
A key element of the Bill is the introduction of a mandatory code of conduct governing wine grape purchases. The review found that contracting practices and bargaining power imbalances within the sector could not be adequately addressed under the existing voluntary code and recommended a mandatory framework to improve consistency and fairness in commercial arrangements.
The Bill would also expand the powers of Wine Australia to collect industry data through surveys of grape and wine producers. The information may be shared with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to support the administration and enforcement of the proposed mandatory code.
The reforms come as Australia’s wine industry continues to face challenging trading conditions, including a global oversupply of wine and declining consumption in several markets. The government said it has provided more than $90 million in funding to support the grape and wine sector since coming to office.
“Australian wine is world-class and an important contributor to regional economies and agricultural exports, which is why we’re backing this sector,” said minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry Julie Collins.
“The Australian government is committed to improving fairness, transparency and confidence for grape growers and winemakers right across the supply chain.
“This Bill is an important step towards a fairer winegrape supply chain, giving growers and winemakers greater confidence and transparency.”
