Australia lifts ban on import of US beef
The US has had beef access into Australia since 2019.
The announcement on Thursday will allow for expanded access to include beef sourced from cattle born in Canada or Mexico, which is legally imported and slaughtered in America.
Albanese Government sources say in late 2024 and early 2025, the US introduced more robust movement controls, which means that all cattle from Canada and Mexico can be identified and traced to the farm and through the supply chain.
Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins said the government has done all the necessary checks.
'The Albanese Labor government will never compromise on biosecurity,' she said.
'The US Beef Imports Review has undergone a rigorous science and risk-based assessment over the past decade.
'The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is satisfied the strengthened control measures put in place by the US effectively manage biosecurity risks.
'Australia stands for open and fair trade - our cattle industry has significantly benefited from this.'
Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie says the Opposition is waiting for a briefing from the government on the details of the announcement.
But the Coalition is concerned protocols may have been watered down, risking disease entering Australia.
'We know this is because of the Prime Minister's inability to repair our relationship with the United States,' McKenzie said.
'Anthony Albanese must not sacrifice our beef industry and our farmers to repair the diplomatic deficiencies of his relationship with the United States.'
Aussie beef has had back-to-back record-breaking export years, with last year worth $14 billion.
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