With the election now behind us, we have a gentle pause to consider what the Albanese Government might prioritise in its second term to help Indigenous businesses thrive. From my perspective at Yaala Sparkling - a new generation beverage company that weaves the wisdom of native plants with innovation to craft uniquely Australian products - thoughtful, targeted support for Australia's native plant sector would make a meaningful difference.
Australia's native plant movement is already a vibrant AU $80 million appetiser, and analysts predict double digit growth well into the next decade. Antioxidant packed Kakadu plums, antibacterial lemon myrtle leaves and a whole palette of native botanicals are reshaping cosmetics, food, cleaning products and even pharmaceuticals. This is bigger than a trend, but here's the plot twist: while global companies rush to trademark our botanicals, many Indigenous brands are left off the shelf space at home. We can flip that script by backing three big moves.
Lead with Indigenous voices
Traditional Owners have nurtured and passed down knowledge of native plants for generations. An Indigenous led provenance registry - think of it as a "blue tick" for bush foods - could license fair use and ensure royalties flow directly back to communities. This type of collective mark has driven hundreds of millions in export value overseas and could do the same here, while protecting cultural heritage. Imagine the same global recognition and protections afforded to Champagne, applied to Kakadu plums and Tasmanian mountain pepper.
Open the doors that matter
Australia's native ingredients have stepped into the spotlight, and they're here to stay. Mixologists are shaking up green ant spritzes, TikTok chefs are serving neon pink Davidson Plum cheesecakes to millions of viewers, and bush tucker spice blends are landing in meal kits across the country. But all the buzz means little if homegrown brands don't see real world benefit.
Access must be part of the promise. Any stadium, airport, hotel or venue should reserve a percentage of procurement for locally owned Indigenous brands. This carve out transforms public investment into a springboard for Australian producers, not a barrier enforced by multinationals wielding exclusivity clauses that shut out local competition. Consumers get healthier, more ethical choices. Venues get a meaningful story to tell. Everyone wins.
Scale the trade game
The native plant industry is gaining serious international traction, now it's time for policy to catch up. Native ingredients hit every target of modern trade priorities: they're rooted in Indigenous knowledge, support regional jobs, promote sustainable agriculture, and offer climate smart solutions. Yet despite this potential, the sector continues to forge ahead without the policy support it deserves. While Canberra rolls out the red carpet for wine and beef, native foods are still waiting at the door. It's time to give this industry the same strategic backing: fund trade delegations, help businesses scale, and invest in the infrastructure regional communities need to participate in commercial markets on their own terms.
Yaala Sparkling was born from a desire to share authentic Indigenous flavours with the world, and today, our drinks are stocked across the country. Expanding that path for other Indigenous producers means more than growing a market. It protects cultural knowledge, strengthens IP rights, and exports a uniquely Australian story of Country, sustainability, and flavour. The return isn't just commercial. It generates regional jobs, advances equity, and builds a food identity that tastes unmistakably like home.
- Tara Croker, Founder of Yaala Sparkling