Last year’s Senate Supermarket Inquiry and the review of the Food & Grocery Code both recognised that Bunnings holds more power than the growers who supply them. One of the key recommendations was that Greenlife Industry Australia (GIA) and Bunnings should work together to create an industry agreement that gives growers more certainty in their business dealings. The launch of the Big Box Inquiry added further motivation to find an industry-led solution, rather than waiting for government regulation.

After extensive discussions with growers, GIA worked with Bunnings to develop a Statement of Principles. While it doesn’t solve every issue raised by growers, the Statement introduces several important changes that will make a real difference for growers. Some of the key improvements are outlined below.

One of the most important parts of the agreement is the introduction of an Independent Greenlife Arbiter– a process GIA strongly pushed for. This will give growers a safe and independent way to raise concerns and resolve disputes.

GIA will work closely with Bunnings to make sure the arbiter process is fair, transparent, and truly independent.

The full Statement of Principles is available on the GIA website. Its rollout will be overseen by the Greenlife Working Group, made up of senior representatives from both GIA and Bunnings. The first formal review will take place in February 2026.

GIQ encourages all greenlife suppliers to read the Statement and stay involved as the agreement is put into action.