Cattle Australia (CA) has called for an independent scientific panel to review the Federal Government’s decision to lift long-standing biosecurity restrictions on beef imported from the United States.
CA Chief Executive Officer, Will Evans, said while the Federal Minister for Agriculture, has provided assurance that cattle born and raised in either Mexico or Canada before slaughter in the US will comply with Australia’s biosecurity standards, the highest level of caution must be exercised to protect Australia’s beef industry.
“Cattle Australia has consistently said biosecurity assessments must be based on the best available scientific evidence and must be equivalent,” Mr Evans said.
“We believe an independent scientific assessment is a sensible and prudent way forward. This must occur before imports commence.
“There is simply too much at stake when it comes to Australia’s world-leading biosecurity status not to get a second opinion. Given the Minister’s confidence she should have no issue appointing an independent panel to take the highest level of precaution in protecting the Australian beef industry.”
NSW Farmers have backed the beef industry’s calls for an independent scientific panel.
“You can’t trade away our biosecurity, Minister – farmers cannot and will not support that,” said NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin.
“Any changes to our market access must be subject to rigorous, evidence-based science and independent scrutiny, and our industry will simply not accept anything less than that.”
A review of the decision must take place before US beef found its way into Australia, Mr Martin warned.
“The Albanese Government needs to be prepared to be held accountable if this all goes wrong,” Mr Martin said.
“Put our farmers and our clean, green nation first – we’ve warned you what might happen to our industry if you don’t.”