Queensland beef producers and processors have been kept in the dark on details of the federal government’s lifting of beef import restrictions, including the risk of mad cow disease and other major biosecurity threats.
Primary Industries Minister and Gympie MP Tony Perrett said the federal government’s management of the issue had not been good enough.
Mr Perrett, whose biosecurity responsibilities include protecting the state’s $11.44 billion beef industry, said Queensland was home to “almost half the nation’s beef herd.”
“Queensland producers need to have confidence decisions aren’t being made federally that risk their operations,” he said.
“Australia’s strong biosecurity must remain a priority, instead of being used as a bargaining tool.
“Queensland’s beef cattle industry supports the largest beef sector of all Australian states, accounting for 49 per cent of the national cattle herd.
“The protection of biosecurity measures for all primary industries, but in this case the beef industry, from overseas threats is critical.
“We need to know more about these protocols, and I call on the Federal Government to swiftly release the detail of what deals or changes have been made.
“Queensland beef exported to the US is valued at $1.57 billion (2023-24), 73 per cent of Queensland’s total primary industry exports to the US by value.
“Queensland’s beef industry is important and contributed $11.44 billion to Queensland’s economy in 2024- 25, including $7.07 billion in exports
“Queensland beef processers accounted for 46.53 per cent of Australia’s beef and veal products in 2024, employing more than 10,000 people.”
Mr Perrett said he had contacted federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins to raise concerns about the recent announcement of the importation of United States beef into Australia, including beef originating in countries with mad cow disease, such as Mexico and Canada.
He had also raised concerns about the lack of consultation with stakeholders, including Queensland’s agricultural sector.
He said he was seeking an urgent briefing about what had been agreed to and what it meant in a practical sense to Queensland’s beef industry
He had also contacted her in March raising concerns about potential impacts to the Queensland beef industry of tariffs related to our trade with the US, but had not received a reply.
Minister Perrett encouraged Ms Collins to prioritise and fight hard for the continuation of the Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement as it relates to the beef industry.
