The VFF UDV says the newly minted Safe Food Victoria must ensure transparent governance, appropriate oversight and clear accountability mechanisms are in place to ensure it delivers benefits for the Victorian dairy sector.
VFF UDV President Bernie Free congratulated Mike Gooey on his appointment as inaugural CEO of Safe Food Victoria and said he looks forward to sharing the industry’s key priorities.
“We congratulate Mr Gooey on his appointment and recognise the significant task involved in establishing a new statutory authority.”
“While the dairy industry continues to hold reservations about the decision to amalgamate Dairy Food Safety Victoria into Safe Food Victoria, and we are yet to see a clear value proposition for dairy farmers from the reform, we acknowledge the new authority will now commence operations and look forward to working constructively with Mr Gooey and the Board to ensure strong outcomes for the dairy industry,” Mr Free said.
Mr Free said the below priorities would guide VFF UDV’s engagement with Safe Food Victoria from when it begins on 1 July 2026.
The approximately $6 million in reserves accumulated through dairy industry fees must remain ring-fenced for dairy food safety outcomes.
“These funds were collected from dairy farmers and processors for a specific purpose. Transparent governance, appropriate oversight and clear accountability mechanisms are essential to ensure they continue to deliver benefits to the dairy sector.”
“Victoria’s dairy food safety system has delivered strong outcomes over many years through outcomes-based regulation combined with genuine industry experience. That must not be lost in the transition,” Mr Free said.
VFF UDV is calling on the Safe Food Victoria Board to establish the advisory committees provided for under the legislation as a matter of priority.
“Meaningful consultation with industry must continue and industry expertise must remain central to regulatory decision-making.”
Mr Free said these priorities reflect discussions with government, including a recent on-farm visit by Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle MP to his property near Warrnambool.
“There’s no substitute for getting out onto a working dairy farm and having honest conversations. We appreciate the Minister taking the time to hear directly from farmers about the opportunities and pressures facing our industry, including the importance of fair farmgate prices, sensible regulation and policies that encourage the next generation into dairy.”
“This visit was a positive step. We look forward to continuing that constructive engagement with both government and Safe Food Victoria to secure a strong future for Victorian dairy,” Mr Free said.