Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) Share this | Hansard source

As I understand it, the ‘code of contact’ is that there be absolutely no physical contact between the honourable senator and me. I think that what she is referring to is a ‘code of conduct’. If that is what she is referring to, I am more than happy to oblige the honourable senator. Having said that, can I say that Senator Polley is one of the senators that my office does enjoy having contact with from time to time as we seek to serve the people of Tasmania.

The Commonwealth government is committed to improving the day-to-day relationships between fruit and vegetable growers and wholesalers by providing greater certainty and clarity for transactions. It remains clear that there need to be minimum terms of trade that are transparent and enforceable in law. Growers have the right to know whether the wholesaler is acting as an agent or a merchant prior to the sale. Other aspects that are being worked on as part of this process include an effective dispute resolution mechanism and the provision of clear market signals on price.