The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten today expressed the Government's concern at the news of iconic Australian chocolate brand Darrell Lea being placed into voluntary administration.

"My thoughts are with the 700 affected workers and their families who will be facing terrible uncertainty today," Mr Shorten said.

"I have spoken with the administrator PPB and the relevant union and advised them the Government stands ready to assist in any way it can."

"The administrator has advised me they are working to sell the brand and the company as a going concern and the Government supports this strategy."

 Mr Shorten’s Media Contact: Jessica Lindell 0408 642 804