Media release: GIA-led advocacy delivers industry-first agreement with Bunnings  – now, it’s time to make it count

This is the result of sustained advocacy from GIA, which first pushed for the inclusion of big box retailers in the parliamentary supermarket inquiries. That advocacy led to the Big Box Inquiry and, ultimately, to the negotiations that shaped today’s agreement.

“This didn’t just happen. We pushed for it,” said GIA CEO Joanna Cave. “From day one, we advocated on behalf of growers, highlighted power imbalances and ensured industry voices were heard at the highest levels. We give Bunnings credit for responding and working with us to develop an industry agreement that creates more commercial certainty for their greenlife suppliers”

The Statement of Principles is a practical step forward – a new foundation for transparency, fair trading, and mutual respect across the supply chain. It reflects what growers told GIA they needed: clearer communication, consistent expectations, and stronger protections in their commercial relationships.

The Statement outlines Bunnings’ commitments to fair and consistent trading terms documented agreements and ongoing collaboration – all backed by a formal role for GIA in holding the process to account.

“Growers helped shape this. And GIA made sure they were listened to,” Ms Cave said. “We’ve been at the table throughout, negotiating this framework and pushing for change. We feel confident this agreement sets the right tone and opens the door to real improvements on the ground.”

A key feature is the creation of an Independent Greenlife Arbiter, a mechanism GIA advocated strongly for to help resolve disputes and ensure suppliers can raise concerns safely and independently.

“We’ll work closely with Bunnings to make sure the arbiter process is robust, transparent and genuinely independent,” Ms Cave said. “This is about shifting the dynamic. Less power imbalance, more shared accountability.”

Senator Ross Cadell, a vocal supporter of stronger protections for growers and suppliers, welcomed the release of the Statement and praised GIA’s leadership in a video released today.

The Statement is now available on the GIA website, and its implementation will be overseen by the Greenlife Working Group – a joint body of senior GIA and Bunnings representatives. The first formal review is scheduled for February 2026.

GIA urges all greenlife suppliers to read the Statement and stay actively involved as the agreement rolls out.

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Greenlife Industry Australia (GIA) is the national peak body representing commercial growers of plants (known as greenlife products) across all states and territories of Australia. The greenlife industry employs over 25,000 people and generates a farm gate value of $2.8 billion a year.

More information

Visit: www.greenlifeindustry.com.au/grower-advocacy