Process to develop the National Food Plan

Stakeholder consultation is a very important part of developing the national food plan and there will be multiple opportunities for stakeholders to contribute to the plan’s development.

As a first step towards developing a national food plan, Minister Ludwig released the Issues paper to inform the development of the national food plan on the 23 June 2011. So far, broad public consultation has been used to gain feedback on the issues paper, including written submissions, a webcast, and a series of small face-to-face meetings (roundtables) with a range of stakeholders from across the supply chain and other interest groups.

On 27 October 2011, Minister Ludwig announced the Australian Government’s decision to develop the National Food Plan through a green paper/white paper process. The green paper will outline the government’s vision and approach to food policy to canvas potential changes to policy, programs and governance arrangements.

The government is currently developing the green paper taking into account stakeholder feedback received on the issues paper released last year. The government released the green paper for public consultation on 17 July this year.

Stakeholder feedback on the green paper will inform discussion on the development of the National Food Plan white paper, which will clearly articulate the Australian Government’s food policy vision for the future. The government expects to release the white paper early next year.

How does the national food plan integrate with other government food-related initiatives?

The Australian Government recognises the wide range of work by governments and other stakeholders on food-related initiatives. In developing a national food plan the government does not seek to replicate past or ongoing policy processes or other initiatives, but to work on drawing linkages between them.

There are several other Australian Government processes underway that will address food-related policy issues, including emerging opportunities, threats and concerns raised by stakeholders. These processes include:

• Review of food labelling law and policy (Blewett Review)
• Food Processing Industry Strategy Group
• Australia in the Asian Century white paper
• Prime Minister’s Taskforce on Manufacturing

The National Food Plan will complement these processes, and where possible, take into consideration their findings and recommendations.