The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 interlinked goals, adopted in 2015 by all countries, including Australia. They are the 'blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.' The SDGs provide a long-term vision for our future and are an integrated approach that places sustainability at the core of planning and decision-making processes. Use of the SDGs by governments, civil society and business to assist with tracking — and improving — performance on sustainability is increasing.

Tackling food waste is one of the 11 targets set out under SDG 12. This is in recognition of the fact that fundamental changes are needed to the way we produce, consume and dispose of food in order to reduce the negative impact on our planet, feed more people in need and protect finite resources.

This policy brief outlines Australia’s progress on SDG Target 12.3 — halving food waste by 2030. The Australian government set and committed to this target.