NATIONALS leader David Littleproud said he is deeply disappointed the Greens-Labor alliance has voted down a Senate Inquiry into the decision to allow US beef imports, originating from Canada or Mexico, into Australia.
Mr Littleproud said the Senate vote on Thursday would cause much anxiety for farmers and industry, but The Nationals will continue to seek answers.
“The Greens have once again turned their back on the agriculture industry by voting down a much-needed Senate Inquiry into the US beef decision,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The Greens and Labor are compromising the running of Parliament House. Today, the Greens have stopped an inquiry looking at the threat of importing beef that has been exposed to diseases, the process and risk assessment, and the protocols and equivalency standards for exports and imports.
“It beggars the question: What deal have they done with Labor?”
The Nationals say Labor has ignored the Inspector-General of Biosecurity’s recent advice in its decision to approve US beef imports, that import risk assessments should include the oversight of a Scientific Advisory Group.
“Is the Minister ignoring her own Inspector-General of Biosecurity, and if so, does that put Australia’s biosecurity at risk,” Mr Littleproud said.
“We also need to know, are both the Greens and Labor willing to undermine the industry, just so Prime Minister Anthony Albanese can obtain a meeting with US President Donald Trump? This decision today is a further blow to our beef industry but is sadly not surprising.
“Our biosecurity standards should be a non-negotiable, which is why the Coalition will continue to ask for answers to protect the world’s best and safest beef.”
Shadow Minister for Trade, Investment and Tourism Kevin Hogan echoed the concerns, saying the government still hasn’t provided any clarity on whether the decision was linked to trade negotiations or tariff relief.
“This is not a minor issue, Australia’s strict biosecurity standards must never be compromised to smooth over trade talks,” Mr Hogan said.
“From the start, the government’s story hasn’t stacked up. We’ve seen overnight media leaks, conflicting accounts from the Prime Minister and Trade Minister, evasion from Senator Wong and now, a flat refusal to allow appropriate scrutiny.
“Australians deserve to know who made this decision, what was promised in return, and whether it was based on genuine biosecurity advice – or political convenience,” he said.
