- Published:
- Wednesday 1 July 2026 at 11:00 am
Victoria’s new streamlined food regulator Safe Food Victoria will cut red tape, making it easier to get fresh food to families.
Minister Settle today visited Meredith Dairy with Safe Food Victoria Chair Luke Wilson and CEO Mike Gooey to mark the start of operations.
The business is one of 12,000 regulated food producers set to benefit from the new regulator.
Safe Food Victoria consolidates multiple regulators including Dairy Safe Food Victoria, Primesafe and other regulators to simplify arrangements for businesses.
The new regulator will report to the Minister for Agriculture.
It brings Victoria in line with other jurisdictions and creates a simpler and more streamlined regulatory system.
Safe Food Victoria will work closely with local government to deliver food safety regulatory services.
The regulator will maintain Victoria's strong focus on food safety and consumer protection.
This ensures the state's high standards continue to protect Victorians from food safety risks.
Existing expertise and skills will be retained.
There will no redundancies and transferring staff will keep their current employment conditions.
It will harness the full strength, experience and efficiency of existing regulatory staff.
Further work will modernise and streamline laws, improve the tools and responsibilities to manage food safety.
It will also provide a stronger and more flexible food safety system that mitigate risks.
Victorians have shared their feedback to help shape the role, priorities and operation of the new regulator.
The consolidation of regulators is part of Victoria’s Economic Growth Statement, focusing on cutting red tape and making it simpler to do business.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle
"Whether it’s milk in the fridge or dinner on the table, Victorian families should know their food is safe."
“A trusted food safety system is good for families, good for farmers and good for exports. Safe Food Victoria will help Victoria keep leading the nation.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Harriet Shing
“Food safety is a public health priority, which is why consumers are such an important focus of this new regulator’s work.”
“Safe Food Victoria is a really good example of a collaborative and common-sense approach to managing and regulating food safety.”
Quote attributable to Meredith Dairy co-owner Julie Cameron
“Food safety and great food go hand-in-hand – we’re proud of Meredith Dairy’s products and look forward to working with the new regulator.”