Coalition calls for Senate inquiry after Labor backflips on US beef exports ban

The Australian

28-07-2025

The Coalition wants a Senate inquiry into the government backflip to allow US beef exports into Australia, citing the 'concerning' timing of the decision amid stalled tariff negotiations.
Labor has rejected claims the link to ongoing tariff discussions, stating the decision follows a lengthy review undertaken by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, which found new tracing protocols eliminated risks posed by beef sourced from Canada and Mexico but slaughtered in the US.
However Nationals Leader David Littleproud says an inquiry is required to give 'assurance' that 'Labor isn't sacrificing our high biosecurity standards'.
Nationals Leader David Littleproud said there needed to be 'assurance' behind the process which reversed the partial ban on US beef imports. Picture: NewsWire/ Martin Ollman
The probe would look at the threat of importing beef which has potentially been exposed to diseases, the risk assessment taken by the government, standards and protocol for US beef imports and the risk posed by future outbreaks.
'The timing of this decision, just as the Prime Minister seeks to obtain a meeting with the US President, is concerning,' Mr Littleproud said.
'Our biosecurity cannot be a bargaining tool. The protocol outlining the import conditions, only released today, provide little detail on the science and the traceability requirements.'
Nationals senator Matt Canavan said an inquiry was needed to 'fully understand the urgency and advice behind the government's decision'.
'It's imperative we understand what impact Labor's decision will have on Australia's reputation as having the world's best and safest beef,' he said.
'Our biosecurity standards are world-leading and our beef producers deserve to know whether they are being sacrificed at the political alter.'
The Coalition has questioned the timing of the announcement, with Anthony Albanese still attempting to negotiate an exemption. Picture: NewsWire/ Monique Harmer
Speaking during question time on Monday, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said Labor had 'not compromised on biosecurity at all, in any way, shape or form,' and said Mr Littleproud a former agriculture minister, would be aware of the review processes.
'He would know about the industry engagement that has occurred throughout this process,' she said.
'The other thing that he would know is that the US and Australia traceability systems are equivalent and that the decision has been taken based on science … and of course all food imported into Australia must be safe and compliant with our food standards.
'The member opposite would know that the department's security assessment is done in the usual manner as it is done for every other imports into this country.'
This comes after Trade Minister Don Farrell mistakenly said US President Donald Trump had directly asked Mr Albanese to remove the ban on US beef exports.
Moments later Mr Albanese clarified that the issue was not directly raised in either of the three phone calls he's had with Mr Trump.
Instead, he said Mr Trump had made the statement during his Liberation Day tariff announcement.
Announcing the levies, which hit a 10 per cent levy on general Australian imports in April, Mr Trump singled out Australia's treatment of US beef.
Jessica Wang
NewsWire Federal Politics Reporter
Jessica Wang is a federal politics reporter for NewsWire based in the Canberra Press Gallery. She previously covered NSW state politics for the Wire and has also worked at news.com.au, and Mamamia covering breaking news, entertainment, and lifestyle.
@imjesswang_
Jessica Wang