What the ACCC does

  • We regulate the Dairy Code of Conduct and provide guidance about the code.
  • We monitor the effectiveness of the code.
  • We investigate alleged breaches of the code.
  • We may take enforcement or other action.

What the ACCC can't do

  • We don’t give legal advice.
  • We don’t resolve individual disputes.
  • We don’t take enforcement action in response to every report we receive.

About the dairy code

The Dairy Code of Conduct is an industry code regulating the conduct of farmers and milk processors in their dealings with one another. The code came into effect on 1 January 2020.

Good faith under the dairy code

Under the Dairy Code of Conduct, processors and farmers must deal with each other in good faith. Failure to act in good faith can lead to penalties for breaching the code.

Milk supply agreements

The dairy code requires processors to only purchase milk under a milk supply agreement. All milk supply agreements must comply with the code.

Enforcement of the dairy code

The ACCC is responsible for enforcing compliance with the dairy code. Breaches of the code can have serious consequences, including penalties and other enforcement action.