The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) welcomes the opportunity to provide this submission
regarding the Victorian Government’s proposal to decrease the number of food regulators. As
Victoria’s peak body representing primary producers, we recognise the importance of an efficient,
science-based, and risk-proportionate regulatory framework that ensures food safety, product
integrity, and market access while minimising unnecessary regulatory burden.
Food regulation must align with best-practice regulatory principles, uphold national and
international food safety standards, and support a “paddock to plate” approach to ensure
consistency across the entire food supply chain. A streamlined, fit-for-purpose regulatory system
must protect consumers, enhance industry capability, and maintain Victoria’s reputation as a
leader in safe, high-quality food production.
The VFF supports food regulatory reform that enhances food safety, market access, and industry
competitiveness while reducing the cost and complexity of compliance. The VFF support inprinciple a single, independent statutory authority with a skills-based board and risk-proportionate regulatory model that ensures Victoria maintains its position as a leader the production of safe, high-quality food production. The VFF note that the UDV have stated their concerns and reasons for not supporting the Victorian dairy industry to be regulated under a new single regulator.
We urge the Victorian Government to implement a modern, efficient, and nationally consistent food
regulatory framework that meets industry and consumer needs.
The VFF welcomes further consultation and engagement on this matter.