Queensland Food Farmers’ Commissioner Act 2024

What the Commissioner cannot do

Importantly, this law gives the Commissioner no direct enforcement powers — they cannot fine supermarkets, compel documents, or order compensation. Their power is through information, advice, reporting, and raising issues with government.

Key features of the office

• Appointed by the Governor in Council (senior government), serving up to 3 years, renewable once
• Can be removed for misconduct, incompetence or neglect
• The Minister can give written directions to the Commissioner, which must be followed (and must be disclosed in annual reports — keeping it transparent)
• Staff are independent and cannot be directed by outside agencies
• Must produce an annual report tabled in Parliament
• The law must be reviewed after 4 years to check if it's working
• A confidentiality obligation applies to anyone who handles personal information through this office (with a penalty of up to 50 penalty units — currently around $8,000 — for unlawful disclosure)
• The Commissioner can share information with other government agencies to help perform their functions

Why does it matter?

This law was created in response to growing concerns about the power imbalance between large supermarket chains and small Queensland farmers — where supermarkets can effectively dictate prices and terms. The Commissioner is designed to give farmers a voice, improve transparency in pricing and supply chains, and flag problems to government — even if they can't directly fix those problems themselves.