A backflip on ‘mad cow’ imports by Kevin Rudd’s Agriculture Minister Tony Burke is in direct response to court of public opinion pressure started by the Coalition in Opposition.
“Today’s ‘mad cow’ announcement by Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke is a victory for commonsense, a victory for the court of public opinion, and a victory for the Coalition in Opposition, said New South Wales Nationals Senator Fiona Nash.
“For months the Coalition has been urging Minister Burke not to relax Australia’s strict quarantine rules that could allow ‘mad cow’ beef imports into this country.”
“The Coalition has steadfastly said; Why should we let anyone relax Australia’s quarantine rules to allow beef in from countries which have lower standards than Australian producers?
“Beef producers across Australia have been echoing the Coalition’s fierce opposition to relaxing the rules on ‘mad cow’ imports and seven days after the new regime began Agriculture Minister Burke has finally listened.
“I just hope Minister Burke’s slashing and burning of the Agriculture Department’s talent has left enough capable people within Biosecurity Australia to still allow for a thorough and rigorous import risk analysis.
“Prime Minister Kevin Rudd can take comfort in Tony Burke’s ‘mad cow’ backflip that he won’t need to apologise to the Australian community for getting this one wrong.”
The Coalition will look closely at Minister Burke’s ‘mad cow’ import backflip and continue to ensure Australia’s beef industry and Australian consumers are safe from ‘mad cow’ concerns.
“This week the Coalition will introduce into the Senate a Private Senator’s Bill to demand beef imports to Australia be subject to the same high standards as Australian beef intended for our domestic and export markets.”
“Given Minister Burke’s ‘mad cow’ import backflip it will be interesting to see how Rudd Labor vote on the Coalition’s Private Senator’s Bill,” said Senator Nash.
Media Contact: Luke Barnes
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