SunRice Jobs Face Rescue as Albanese Steps In With $15M Plan
Synopsis
A proposed $15 million federal contribution could help protect 78 SunRice jobs in the Riverina after planned redundancies sparked intervention.
SunRice jobs at the center of proposed federal support after 78 redundancies announced by the company in Riverina, prompting direct discussions between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Farrer MP David Farley.
Albanese had raised the matter with Farley at a recent meeting with the Governor General, suggesting that a government response was appropriate, Farley said. Farley has been lobbying for $15 million from the federal government, in addition to $15 million from industry to invest in SunRice facilities, he said.
SunRice jobs are at the center of proposed federal support after 78 redundancies announced by the company in Riverina, prompting direct discussions between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Farrer MP David Farley.
Government weighs investment proposal
The SunRice jobs package remains not fully formed but the government has been approached by SunRice, with a verbal offer to invest in a new packaging plant in the Riverina, according to Environment Minister Murray Watt’s office.
The government will consider a funding proposal after it has been formally submitted, Mr. Watt said. The support package could see 78 jobs secured, Mr. Farley said.
SunRice jobs changes will see 92 jobs at the company’s mills in Deniliquin and Leeton, Australia Grain Storage. Of these, 78 will be made redundant and 14 will be retrained.
SunRice has more than 650 employees across the Riverina. It will scale back its presence in the region due to drought and water constraints, the company said.
Rice production hits multi-year low
The jobs cuts are the result of a significant decrease in Australian rice production. The June 2026 Australian Crop Report (ABARES) estimated 2025–26 rice production at 175,000 tonnes, down 66% on the past two years, due to a 64% fall in area planted.
This comes despite a record price for rice, which has been driven by demand from China and other nations.
The reason for the drop in area planted is related to reductions in general-security water allocations and increased irrigation costs, said ABARES. The estimate is the lowest rice production since the 2019–20 season.
The reduction in output has had a direct impact on the SunRice jobs. The company has reduced the number of shifts at its Riverina mills due to the fall in production.
Financial results remain in focus
SunRice’s announcements come at a time when the company is tabulating its FY26 results. The company posted revenue of $1.8 billion, which is 2.5 per cent lower than the previous financial year, and a net profit after tax increased 4 per cent to $73.3 million.
SunRice jobs also recorded $143.6 million of EBITDA for the year ended 30 April 2026. The figures highlight the group’s broader business profitability while its Australian rice-processing business was impacted by reduced volumes.
The SunRice jobs impact on regional businesses is also of a strategic importance to the region as the Riverina operations provide a major industrial employer in the area with crucial agricultural processing centered in Leeton and Deniliquin.
The proposed support for SunRice jobs is dependent on an investment proposal being made and considered by the government.
Source: Smart Company
Pooja Malik is a business journalist with over six years of experience covering startups, entrepreneurship, and emerging trends. She has previously worked with leading media platforms such as YourStory Media and BW BusinessWorld, where she reported on business, policy, and market developments. Currently, she serves as Editor at The Inspirepreneur Magazine, where she writes and edits stories across business, lifestyle, and travel, with a focus on clarity, accuracy, and reader relevance.
