Today we released the recommendation of the Cattle Transaction Levy Review Committee and some supporting information explaining actions required by 1 July 2027 in order for these proposed changes to take effect. The recommendation will go to a vote of grassfed levy payers at the MLA AGM in Townsville on 24 November 2026.

The grassfed levy has not been reviewed in nearly 20 years. That is a long time to go without asking whether a system is still working as intended, and the Review that has been undertaken by Cattle Australia has been welcomed as a valuable engagement opportunity.

The Review Committee consulted extensively with grassfed levy payers, more than 1,000 responses and attendances across two discussion papers, a producer survey, and over 34 regional face-to-face sessions covering every state and territory.

As flagged when consultation findings were released, the Committee’s recommendation sets out a sequence of activities to be undertaken over the coming months, updating the system in stages to better align it with the needs of levy payers today.

What you told us
The message was the same: levy payers want the levy to do more, and they want to see what it delivers. They want to see more clearly where their levy dollars go, they want investment that keeps pace with the risks this industry faces today, And they want a levy that works harder for them.

Just as clear was the value producers place on the levy. There was broad agreement that it has built capability and infrastructure this industry would not otherwise have, kept us competitive in a changing global market, and attracted extra investment in research, development and marketing that sits behind Australian beef’s standing around the world. 72% of respondents want the Levy Recipient Bodies to keep most current investments in place, albeit at potentially reduced levels, while making room for new priorities.

There was also strong support for a transparent way to move limited, defined amounts between levy streams, so genuine pressures, like the funding gap at the National Residue Survey, can be dealt with without another full review.

Clearly producers want the body that represents them (Cattle Australia) properly resourced to oversee levy investment, to build producers’ capacity to engage, and to tell the industry’s story with confidence in the face of unfounded criticism.

What the recommendations propose

•            Five reforms, one package. By 1 July 2027: accountability to grassfed levy payers for how levies are invested; increased focus on strategic biosecurity investments; secure funding for the National Residue Survey; better support for industry representation and capacity building; and dedicated funding for the Integrity Systems producer rely on.

•            Accountability first. Meat & Livestock Australia, the National Residue Survey and Animal Health Australia must deliver the reforms in full by 1 July 2027. If they do, the levy rises by $1.00 to $6.00 per head by 1 July 2028, putting more resourcing and funding behind the work producers value most. The increase follows the accountability, not the other way around.

•            A check in 2030. A broader review of the whole system will take place no later than the end of 2030, in line with the red meat industry’s 2040 strategic plan. Producers asked for a regular review cycle. This builds one in.

•            Your vote. The resolution will be decided by separate ballot at the MLA AGM in Townsville on 24 November 2026. Before then, every levy payer will receive the full resolution, explanatory notes, a ballot paper and voting instructions.

Why $6.00
The committee was presented with submissions and an economic report that highlighted inflation had eroded the true value of the levy since 2009 and that restoring its full purchasing power would take it to $8.68.

This argument for this significant increase was not accepted.

What fundamentally underpins the levy is that it must produce value for its industry and for levy payers themselves.  While restoring funding to 2009 levels in real terms would be of benefit to some program areas, it was not clear what benefit it would produce for levy payers.

The committee looked for areas where spend could be reprioritised or reallocated to areas levy payers saw as being more important. Given the quantum of activities required to be prioritised moving forward, additional funds are needed.

The $1.00 change is based on an economic analysis and a detailed look at existing programs. It goes only to the areas where the need is most pressing and the case for change is already made. It is a strong first step, not a final number and it is conditional on increased accountability and transparency of the levy system being put in place prior to this increase coming into effect.

What happens next
The resolution, explanatory notes and economic analysis will be published at cattleaustralia.com.au.

Cattle Australia will run webinars and regional briefings before the vote so you can put your questions to us directly, and we will send the details soon. In the meantime, you can reach us at levy@cattleaustralia.com.au.

This is your levy, and in November it is your vote. Getting the accountability right, and the levy can do more for every producer who pays it.

The final report behind the recommendations can be found here The Cattle Transaction Levy Hub – Cattle Australia

Will Evans

CEO, Cattle Australia