The possible impacts and consequences for public health, trade and agriculture of the Government's decision to relax import restrictions on beef.
Third Interim Report
11 March 2010
© Commonwealth of Australia 2010
View the report as a single document - (PDF 68KB)
Pursuant to Senate standing order 38(7), I present to you an interim report of the Senate Standing References Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport on the possible impacts and consequences for public health, trade and agriculture of the Government’s decision to relax import restrictions on beef.
The Senate referred this matter to the Committee on 27 October 2009, for report on 30 November 2009. The Committee advertised the inquiry and to date has received thirty-five submissions. On Monday, 8 March 2010 the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry announced that he has written to the Director of Quarantine requesting Biosecurity Australia to do an Import Risk Analysis for fresh beef (chilled or frozen) from countries other than New Zealand.
In light of this announcement, the Committee considers it is necessary to conduct a further public hearing before completing the reference to clarify how Australia's requirements for the importation of beef and beef products for human consumption will now be implemented. The Committee will publish the date for the proposed hearing and the date on which it will table its final report on its website, as soon as possible.
The Committee intends to present an interim report to the Senate on 18 March 2010.
Senator Fiona Nash
Chair
11 March 2010
For further information, contact:
Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia