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Federal Member for Barker, Patrick Secker welcomed the Government’s decision to order a risk analysis on beef imports into Australia from BSE affected countries, saying it is better late than never.
“The Minister for Agriculture took far too long to make an obvious decision that was supported by the Coalition and now he must guarantee he will not let beef into the country from BSE affected countries,” Mr Secker said today.
“I announced in Parliament last fortnight that I believe Australia is the best and safest place in the world to eat beef and that the Government must do their utmost to retain this quality.”
“I am pleased the Minister has come to his senses, a science based import risk analysis will ensure he has a detailed, factual scientific evaluation before making any decisions to import beef from BSE countries.”
The announcement from Labor comes on the eve of debate in the Senate on the Coalition’s Food Importation (Bovine Meats Standards) 2010, Private Members Bill.
“The reputation of Australian beef must be protected at all costs and a risk analysis is a step in the right direction to ensuring this happens,” concluded Mr Secker.
Additional Note: MPI speech can be found on website also.
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