Independent Senator for South Australia, Nick Xenophon, Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Bob Brown and Leader of the Nationals in the Senate, Senator Barnaby Joyce, are calling for greater truth in labelling.
In 2009, the three Senators introduced the Food Standards Amendment (Truth in Labelling Laws) Bill and the Food Standards Amendment (Truth in Labelling Laws – Palm Oil) Bill.
These Bills address the issues of labelling of Country of Origin and Palm Oil, both of which consumers have a right to be informed about.
Food Standards Amendment (Truth in Labelling Laws) Bill
The Food Standards Amendment (Truth in Labelling Laws) Bill 2009 will require manufacturers to provide greater, more accurate detail on product labels about the content of food products including the use of imported ingredients.
Under the provisions of this Bill, manufacturers will only be able to label products as "Made in Australia" if it contains a majority of ingredients (not including packaging) which have been grown or produced in Australia.
Food Standards Amendment (Truth in Labelling Laws) Bill 2009
Explanatory Memorandum to the Food Standards Amendment (Truth in Labelling Laws Bill) 2009
Senator Nick Xenophon’s second reading speech on this Bill
Senator Barnaby Joyce’s second reading speech on this Bill
Senator Bob Brown’s second reading speech on this Bill
Food Standards Amendment (Truth in Labelling Laws – Palm Oil) Bill
The Food Standards Amendment (Truth in Labelling Laws – Palm Oil) Bill 2009 requires manufacturers to accurately label Palm Oil among its ingredients.
It also provides for manufacturers to label use of Palm Oil as Certified Sustainable, so that consumers can be advised that although the product includes Palm Oil, it has been produced sustainably and in line with the international Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.
Food Standards Amendment (Truth in Labelling Laws – Palm Oil) Bill 2009
Senator Nick Xenophon’s second reading speech on this Bill
Senator Bob Brown’s second reading speech on this Bill