The House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources has released its report for its inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia, titled 'Food for Thought: The opportunities and challenges for Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing industry'. The report has made 23 recommendations.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 20 February 2025

The House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources has released its report for its inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia, titled Food for Thought: The opportunities and challenges for Australia’s food and beverage manufacturing industry. The report has made 23 recommendations. The Chair of the committee, Mr Rob Mitchell MP, said, 'By 2040, the global population is expected to reach nine billion. This will shape the global economic and consumer landscape, and Australia is well-positioned to capitalise on its ‘clean and green’ reputation and ability to innovate and expand product range to further increase its market share, both domestically and internationally.' 'This inquiry found many opportunities for expanding the Australian food and beverage manufacturing sector. These include export opportunities, integrating new technologies, building on Australia’s reputational and competitive advantages, and adding value to raw products to produce high-value goods.' 'The Committee has made several recommendations to take advantage of these opportunities, including developing a National Food Plan, increasing AusTrade assistance for small and medium enterprises looking to export Australian food and beverage products to Asia, identifying skills shortages in the industry, and supporting automation technologies.' Further information on the inquiry, as well as a copy of the report, can be obtained from the inquiry website. Media inquiries Office of Mr Rob Mitchell MP (03) 5716 3000 Rob.Mitchell.MP@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 4114 isr.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website aph.gov.au/isr. On the site, you can read inquiry submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

At the eighth public hearing for the inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia, the House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources plans to hear from a range of stakeholders in Victoria, including representatives from an independent think tank on alternative proteins and an advocacy group working to improve diets and prevent obesity in Australia.

Media release issue date: Monday, 5 August 2024

At the eighth public hearing for the inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia, the House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources plans to hear from a range of stakeholders in Victoria, including representatives from an independent think tank on alternative proteins and an advocacy group working to improve diets and prevent obesity in Australia. Committee Chair, Mr Rob Mitchell MP, said “The Committee has held multiple public hearings across the country to find out more about what it is like to be an Australian food and beverage manufacturer. At this final interstate hearing, the Committee looks forward to continuing to hear from local manufacturers, as well as stakeholders from the academic, health, and recycling & packaging sectors.” The Committee will conduct further public hearings in Canberra during August 2024. Further information about the inquiry, including the Terms of Reference, is available on the Committee’s website: aph.gov.au/isr Public hearing details Date: Wednesday, 7 August 2024 Time: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM (AEST) Location: Legislative Council Committee Room, Parliament of Victoria, Spring Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002 Witnesses: La Trobe University, Australian Dairy Products Federation, Independent Brewers Association, Food for Health Alliance, Food Frontier, AUSVEG, Starward/New World Whisky Distillery, Pact Group Media inquiries Office of Mr Rob Mitchell MP (03) 5716 3000 Rob.Mitchell.MP@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 4114 isr.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website aph.gov.au/isr. On the site, you can read inquiry submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

Australia’s first certified carbon-neutral distillery, a local business that is successfully exporting to the Asian market, and one of Australia’s largest food manufacturers will be appearing as witnesses at the seventh public hearing for the House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources’ inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 30 July 2024

Australia’s first certified carbon-neutral distillery, a local business that is successfully exporting to the Asian market, and one of Australia’s largest food manufacturers will be appearing as witnesses at the seventh public hearing for the House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources’ inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia. Committee Chair, Mr Rob Mitchell MP, said “the inquiry has received a lot of interest with over 120 submissions to date. At the public hearing in Tasmania, the Committee will continue to hear from stakeholders to find out what the key challenges are right now for Australian food and beverage manufacturers.” The Committee will conduct further public hearings during August 2024. Further information about the inquiry, including the Terms of Reference, is available on the Committee’s website: aph.gov.au/isr Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 1 August 2024 Time: 9:40 AM to 12:00 PM (AEST) Location: Committee Room 1, Parliament of Tasmania, 1 Salamanca Place, Hobart TAS 7000 Witnesses: Lark Distilling Co., Tasmania Fresh/Tas’Mania, Cadbury/Mondelēz International Media inquiries Office of Mr Rob Mitchell MP (03) 5716 3000 Rob.Mitchell.MP@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 4114 isr.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website aph.gov.au/isr. On the site, you can read inquiry submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources will hold a day of public hearings in Brisbane on Thursday 13 June 2024 as part of its inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 11 June 2024

The House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources will hold a day of public hearings in Brisbane on Thursday 13 June 2024 as part of its inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia. The Committee will hear from a range of stakeholders, including: peak industry bodies for food and beverage manufacturing; the academic, scientific, research and development sector; domestic food and beverage brands; and Queensland’s independent statutory body regulating food safety. Committee Chair, Mr Rob Mitchell MP, said “After visiting several sites the previous day, this hearing will be an opportunity for the Committee to learn more about the wide range of research and development currently being undertaken for the food and beverage manufacturing sector.” On Wednesday, the Committee will visit Barambah Organics, the Health and Food Sciences Precinct jointly run by the Queensland Government, CSIRO, and the University of Queensland, and the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy at Queensland University of Technology. The Committee will conduct further interstate public hearings in July and August 2024. Further information about the inquiry, including the Terms of Reference, is available on the Committee’s website: aph.gov.au/isr Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 13 June 2024 Time: 9:00 AM to 14:00 PM (AEST) Location: CR3, Queensland Parliament, 2A George Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000 Witnesses: Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy/Queensland University of Technology, Food and Agribusiness Network/Turbine, Food and Beverage Accelerator/University of Queensland, Safe Food Production Queensland, Australian Organic Limited, End Food Waste Australia Media inquiries Office of Mr Rob Mitchell MP (03) 5716 3000 Rob.Mitchell.MP@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 4114 isr.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website aph.gov.au/isr. On the site, you can read inquiry submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources will hear from peak industry bodies from the spirit and craft distilling sector as part of its inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 4 June 2024

On Wednesday 5 June 2024, the House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources will hear from peak industry bodies from the spirit and craft distilling sector as part of its inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia. Committee Chair, Mr Rob Mitchell MP, said “The Australian spirits industry has seen immense growth over the past decade, with the number of Australian distilleries increasing significantly.” “The Committee is interested to hear about the barriers the industry faces, and what innovations are on the horizon to enable the Australian spirits industry to realise its full potential.” The Committee will conduct further public hearings between June to August 2024. Further information about the inquiry, including the Terms of Reference, is available on the Committee’s website: aph.gov.au/isr. Public hearing details Date: Wednesday, 5 June 2024 Time: 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM (AEST) Location: Committee Room 1R5, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 Witnesses: Spirits & Cocktails Australia and Australian Distillers Association Media inquiries Office of Mr Rob Mitchell MP (03) 5716 3000 Rob.Mitchell.MP@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 4114 isr.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website aph.gov.au/isr. On the site, you can read inquiry submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources will hold a day of public hearings in Sydney as part of its inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 22 May 2024

On Thursday 23 May 2024, the House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources will hold a day of public hearings in Sydney as part of its inquiry into food and beverage manufacturing in Australia. This will be the first of several public hearings the Committee will hold across the country to hear from a range of stakeholders, including those from the food and beverage industry, processing, packaging, and recycling businesses, and the research and development sector. Committee Chair, Mr Rob Mitchell MP, said “Australian food and beverage products are globally trusted for quality and safety. The public hearing will be an opportunity for the Committee to hear about industry needs and aspirations, and discuss what kind of support is needed for Australian food and beverage manufacturers to continue to innovate and grow.” The Committee will conduct further public hearings between late May to August 2024. Further information about the inquiry, including the Terms of Reference, is available on the Committee’s website: aph.gov.au/isr. Public hearing details Date: Thursday, 23 May 2024 Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (AEST) Location: Mercure Sydney, Wynyard Suite, 818-820 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Witnesses: Veolia, Tetra Pak, Opal, Australian Council of Recycling, Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology, Diageo Australia, Archie Rose, Hickson House Distilling Co., Vow, Cauldron Molecules Media inquiries Office of Mr Rob Mitchell MP (03) 5716 3000 Rob.Mitchell.MP@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat (02) 6277 4114 isr.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website aph.gov.au/isr. On the site, you can read inquiry submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources will inquire into opportunities for innovation and growth in the food and beverage manufacturing industry in Australia.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 21 March 2024

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources will inquire into opportunities for innovation and growth in the food and beverage manufacturing industry in Australia. Food manufacturing is the largest sector in Australia’s manufacturing industry, employing more than 20 per cent of all manufacturing workers. Governments have long recognised the sector’s export growth potential, given Australia’s established reputation and trade relationships as a top exporter of high-quality agricultural produce. Committee Chair Rob Mitchell MP said the food industry was on the cusp of great opportunities as well as challenges. ‘Australian scientists and food manufacturers are making inroads into high-tech emerging sectors and developing new high value-added products built on our world-class agricultural sector. They are adopting process innovations to make traditional food and beverages tastier, safer, cleaner and more productive. ‘At the same time, the sector innovating and finding alternative sources for fossil fuel-based process heat, reducing water consumption and waste, and developing packaging solutions that keep plastic pollution out of landfill and our oceans. Mr Mitchell said ‘the inquiry will examine the state of innovation in the industry, including new technologies for post-farmgate food and beverage manufacturing and packaging, and opportunities for growth in new product markets. It will also consider shifting consumer trends, the role of the research sector and future workforce needs. ‘We want to hear from large and small manufacturers about their experiences, hopes and fears for the future – whether you’re a Food and Drink Business top-10 firm, a third-generation family business, or in the start-up or venture capital sectors. We are also looking for the views of experts in food science, process engineering and packaging. ‘This is such a diverse and exciting part of our economy. We want to hear about how the Government can support the sector to thrive.’ The Committee invites written submissions addressing any or all of the inquiry terms of reference by Wednesday 1 May 2024. The terms of reference and additional information on the inquiry can be found on the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Mr Rob Mitchell MP, Chair, House Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Resources (03) 5716 3000 (electorate office) or (02) 6277 4117 (Canberra). For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4114 isr.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.