17 October 2025

Independent Greenlife Reviewer appointed

A new path for supplier concerns

If you supply Bunnings, there’s now a simple, confidential way to raise a concern.

As part of the Statement of Principles released by Greenlife Industry Australia and Bunnings earlier this year, an independent complaints process has been established to support transparency and fair dealing across the supply chain.

This process will be managed by the Independent Greenlife Reviewer, Chris Leptos, who has been jointly appointed by Bunnings and GIA.

Chris is an experienced company director and chartered accountant who’s held senior roles across Australia, Canada, Japan, the UK and China.

Chris has led multiple national reviews for the Australian Government, including Housing Australia and the Food & Grocery Code of Conduct. He also chairs a national disability housing charity and is the former Chair of the National Heart Foundation. In 2022, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for services to business and the community.

This appointment ensures Bunnings suppliers have a trusted, independent avenue for advice and review – helping strengthen confidence and fairness across the greenlife supply chain.

“This is an important step toward a more transparent and collaborative supply chain,” said Joanna Cave, CEO, Greenlife Industry Australia.

How to make a complaint

Step one: email your complaint to the reviewer at chris@leptos.com

Step two: the reviewer will confirm receipt, have a discussion with you, then

– only if you say he can – notify Bunnings

Step three: within 10 business days, Bunnings will provide a response to the reviewer

Step four: the reviewer will provide a recommendation within 30 days.

The reviewer won't share details of your complaint with Bunnings unless you say he can.

For more details on the complaints process, visit:

• how to make a complaint 
• Statement of Principles

Contact Chris:

• at chris@leptos.com
• on 0419 685 635

12+ pest incursions in just six months

Stay alert and make use of levy-funded tools

Since February, there have been more than a dozen biosecurity incursions across Australia – pest threats remain active and unpredictable.

Simple actions like recordkeeping, monitoring and quarantine zones protect both your business and the wider industry.

Levy-funded accreditation programs give growers proven tools to strengthen on-farm pest and disease management.

Have you got a budding idea? We want to hear from you!

All great innovations start with a conversation, and we’re always after growers’ suggestions for levy-funded projects. It can be big or small, a seed or a fully-fleshed idea - as long as you think it's important, we want to hear it.

You don’t need to have the solution  ready - that’s what we’ll do together.

Watch our short video about how levy decisions are made and who decides.

How does your nursery stack up? The survey’s open

If you're a production nursery, the Nursery Industry Statistics Survey interview team might reach out to you.

Why?

Your data informs the Benchmarking Tool (which you can use to compare your business, cut costs and boost performance) and backs us up with credible stats when advocating for you.

Interested in participating?

If you're keen to take part for the first time, contact Dan at Down to Earth Research on 0409 775 552 or daniel@dter.com.au

Find all the info at:  www.greenlifeindustry.org.au/statistics-project

Importing tomato and/or capsicum seeds?

New testing requirements now apply

If you import tomato or capsicum seed, make sure you’re across the new biosecurity testing requirements. Updated information and guidance are now available.

Read:

• the advice notice
• testing requirements
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) FAQ.

ToBRFV Management Plan – updated version now available

Your guide to identifying and managing potential incursions

The Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) Management Plan helps growers identify, prevent and manage any potential incursions.

Version 2 of the plan is now available – it includes a new list of disinfectants approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for ToBRFV.

Have you checked out School of Thumb?

Real gardeners – real questions – real growers

The School of Thumb video series on the Greener Spaces Better Places YouTube channel helps take the guesswork out of gardening. Each episode connects everyday gardeners with industry experts and growers to share practical, plant-smart advice – all aimed at getting more Australians buying and growing greenlife.

Hosted by comedian and keen gardener Claire Hooper, who grew up working in her parents’ nursery in Western Australia, the series brings humour, warmth and genuine expertise to the screen.