SunRice mills in Riverina may receive government support to protect jobs

The Australian federal government is considering a multimillion-dollar package to support SunRice operations in the Riverina region of New South Wales. This potential intervention follows the global rice company’s recent announcement that it would restructure 92 roles and cut 78 jobs across its Deniliquin and Leeton mills, as well as Australian Grain Storage.

One Nation MP David Farley indicated that a deal to secure these jobs is progressing, noting that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed commitment to resolving the issue. Farley has been lobbying for the government to match a $15 million industry co-investment intended for facility upgrades.

SunRice CEO Paul Serra has previously cited adverse water policy settings as a significant challenge to the industry. The Environment Minister’s office confirmed that SunRice has submitted a verbal pitch for new packaging facility investments, stating the government will consider co-investment once a formal proposal is received.