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Parliamentary Friends of Sugar to strengthen sector’s bipartisan support
17 March 2022
The sugar industry has gathered support from across the Queensland Parliament for a new initiative to allow direct contact between Members of Parliament and the industry.
Parliamentary Friends of Sugar was co-chaired by Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett and Member for Mackay, Julieanne Gilbert pictured with ASMC Directors: Peter Hawe, Jannik Olejas and John Pratt at Qld Parliament House on 14 March 2022
The Parliamentary Friends of Sugar is an initiative of the Australian Sugar Milling Council (ASMC) and it held its inaugural event at Parliament House this week. The Parliamentary Friends of Sugar is co-chaired by Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert and Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett.
ASMC Chief Executive Officer Rachele Sheard said the Parliamentary Friends of Sugar would build on strengthening bi-partisan support for the sugar industry and recognition of its contribution to the economic and social fabric of Queensland.
“Analysis of the sugar industry’s contribution to the Queensland economy has found it contributes $3.8 billion annually and supports around 20,000 full-time equivalent jobs across the State,” Ms Sheard said.
“For many Queensland communities, the sugar industry has been its foundation and continues to underpin local employment and prosperity.”
“The outlook for the sugar industry is strong, but not without challenges. Importantly, the industry has opportunities for diversification into sustainable fuels, co-generation of renewable electricity and new products, as well as sugar.”
-ENDS-
Further information:
Media contact: Kirby Anderson 0400 206 502
Background
Australian Sugar Milling Council
The Australian Sugar Milling Council is a voluntary organisation, established in 1987 to represent Australian raw sugar mill owners. The Milling Council is the peak policy forum for mill owners and has as its mission to be an influential voice for change in the Australian sugar industry through leadership and policy advocacy.
The Milling Council works with its members, other industry organisations and government to develop and promote policies that enhance the commercial development of the sugar industry in Australia.