Earlier this year, the Dairysafe team took time out to reflect on what’s working well, where we can improve, and what matters most to South Australia’s dairy industry.
Those discussions have helped shape Dairysafe’s priorities for the remainder of 2026, with a clear focus on delivering practical improvements that support both industry and food safety outcomes.
At the heart of these priorities is a commitment to clearer expectations, more consistent regulation, stronger engagement with industry, and continued support for a positive food safety culture.
Clearer food safety regulation
One of the strongest messages Dairysafe hears from industry is the importance of clarity and consistency. To address this, Dairysafe will continue working to clarify accreditation and compliance expectations, improve consistency across audits and regulatory decisions, strengthen regulator and auditor capability, and make greater use of data to support risk-based decision making.
These improvements are designed to reduce ambiguity, provide clearer guidance, and deliver more consistent outcomes across the food safety system.
Transparency and fairness
Understanding not only what decisions are made, but why they are made, is critical to maintaining confidence in regulation.
Over the coming months, Dairysafe will place a greater emphasis on transparency by updating guidance materials, improving communication around regulatory decisions and expectations, and providing more regular updates on industry performance and Dairysafe activities.
An approved auditor capability framework will also be introduced to strengthen consistency and confidence in audit outcomes.
Together, these initiatives aim to deliver a more transparent, consistent and fair regulatory environment, with better communication and fewer surprises for industry.
Strengthening food safety culture
While systems and compliance remain important, strong food safety outcomes rely on leadership, behaviours and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.
In 2026, Dairysafe will increase its focus on supporting food safety culture across the dairy supply chain. This includes establishing a Quality Forum to connect and support quality professionals and recognising the important contribution of dairy industry quality practitioners.
Our Food Safety & HACCP Awareness Training workshop being delivered in Adelaide on 21 August 2026 is also part of our work to strengthen food safety culture.
By encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing, Dairysafe hopes to strengthen food safety culture across the industry and reinforce the role everyone plays in maintaining high standards.
Better connection with Industry
Strong relationships and open communication remain central to Dairysafe’s approach.
Industry feedback has highlighted the importance of opportunities to ask questions, share challenges and better understand different perspectives across the sector.
To support this, Dairysafe will deliver a range of industry forums throughout the year, provide more timely sharing of industry data and insights, offer targeted training opportunities including HACCP and heat treatment topics, and continue building stronger connections with industry bodies and fellow regulators.
Dairysafe will also maintain its on-the-ground engagement through site visits, meetings and industry events.
Looking ahead
The priorities outlined for the remainder of 2026 reflect Dairysafe’s ongoing commitment to supporting a safe, sustainable and thriving dairy industry.
By focusing on consistency, transparency, engagement and continuous improvement, Dairysafe aims to ensure regulation is practical, effective and aligned with the realities of dairy businesses across South Australia.
The team looks forward to working closely with industry as these initiatives are rolled out over the coming months.