COALITION PROTECTS PUBLIC FROM MAD COW IMPORTS

Last week’s confirmation that Canada recorded its 18th of case of mad cow contamination vindicates Coalition action in the Australian Senate to introduce a Private Senator’s Bill that protects Australians from mad cow disease imports.

Nationals NSW Senator Fiona Nash said, just last week Canada confirmed its 18th reported mad cow contamination case, on February 25, of a six year old cow eligible to be exported in to the USA.

“Canada’s most recent mad cow case is a key reason not to relax Australia’s strict quarantine rules that could allow ‘mad cow’ beef imports into this country,” said Senator Nash.

“The Coalition’s bill, which passed the Senate today, insists beef imports to Australia are subject to three critical elements; a full import risk analysis, equivalence when it comes to livestock identification and traceability in overseas countries, and country of origin labeling.”

“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?

“The measures contained in the Coalition’s mad cow bill give all Australians confidence they will be protected from the risk of mad cow beef imports by ‘world’s best practice’.

“Grass roots beef producers across Australia have been echoing the Coalition’s fierce opposition to relaxing the rules on ‘mad cow’ imports and support the Coalition’s bill.

“Even NSW Farmers Association voted last week to support the Coalition’s mad cow bill.

“It’s a real pity the beef producers’ industry body, the Cattle Council of Australia is not listening to its grass roots membership.

“Cattle Council’s continuing opposition to a sensible and strong quarantine regime on mad cow imports is in direct contrast to its members’ views, and the overwhelming sentiment of the Australian public.

“A full and transparent Import Risk Assessment process will give everyone an open chance to 'put up', but for now Cattle Council might be best advised to 'shut up',” said Senator Nash.

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