ADPF’s submission to the second review of the Dairy Code of Conduct focuses on targeted, practical refinements to improve workability and certainty for both farmers and processors.

The Dairy Code has been in place since 2020 and has improved transparency and consistency in contractual arrangements across the dairy supply chain. ADPF’s submission recognises these benefits.

The submission concentrates on two priority issues.

First, reducing the cooling-off period from 14 days to a maximum of seven days where both parties agree, and clarifying that the cooling-off period does not apply once milk collection has commenced following contract expiry.

Second, addressing the management of unsigned contracts by introducing a “deemed acceptance” mechanism to allow milk collection to proceed without uncertainty or penalty.

ADPF also clarifies that milk swaps are an established and essential operational practice that sit outside the scope of the Dairy Code, supporting efficiency, animal welfare, and supply continuity.

The submission notes the legislated timeline for the review and requests that any amendments be finalised by early 2026 to provide certainty ahead of the 2026–27 season.

More: Read our submission.