Media release
An urgent reform of Australian food labelling was required to keep profits at home and protect local jobs, the federal leader of the Palmer United Party Clive Palmer said.
Mr Palmer said that if elected, his party would ensure uniform food-labelling reform in Australia to promote the endeavours of local producers and boost employment.
“Clarity in labelling on all packaging will be one of the priorities of a Palmer federal government,’’ Mr Palmer said.
The Palmer United Party says it will introduce a coloured tag system to properly inform consumers of the origins of the products they buy.
“If a product contains more than five percent of the product including packaging not originating in Australia, it would carry a red tag,’’ Mr Palmer said.
“If an item has 95% or more of its content made in Australia then we would be proposing a green and gold tag.
Under the current laws, it is impossible to determine the breakdown between ingredients and packaging when an item is labelled Australian-made.
“People may think they are supporting Australian producers when in fact only a very small percentage of what they spend may be staying in the country.
“We want consumers to be able make informed decisions about their purchases and to promote and protect truly Australian goods and services for the betterment of everybody in this country.
“This will help to grow Australian jobs and the economy. Australia should be about freedom of speech and therefore freedom of choice, with access to the right information,’’ Mr Palmer said.
ENDS