The Coalition is calling for a Senate inquiry into the government’s decision to lift the ban on US beef imports into Australia, citing the “concerning” timing of the move amid stalled negotiations over tariffs.
Labor has denied any connection to ongoing trade talks, asserting that the decision followed an extensive review by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. According to the department, new traceability measures have mitigated the risks associated with beef originating from Canada and Mexico but processed in the US.
However, Nationals Leader David Littleproud insists an inquiry is necessary to ensure that “Labor isn’t compromising our high biosecurity standards.” The proposed investigation would assess potential disease risks linked to imported beef, the government’s risk evaluation process, and the protocols governing US beef imports, as well as potential threats from future outbreaks.
“The timing is suspicious, especially as the Prime Minister seeks a meeting with the US President,” Littleproud stated. “Our biosecurity should never be used as a bargaining chip. The newly released protocol offers scant detail on the scientific basis and traceability measures.”
Nationals Senator Matt Canavan echoed the call, saying an inquiry is essential to grasp the urgency and reasoning behind the government’s decision. “We must understand what this means for Australia’s global standing as a producer of the safest, highest-quality beef,” he said. “Our producers deserve clarity on whether their livelihoods are being traded for political gain.”
During Monday’s question time, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins defended the move, asserting that “biosecurity has not been compromised in any way.” She reminded Parliament that Mr Littleproud, as a former agriculture minister, would be well aware of the rigorous review process and stakeholder engagement involved.
“He knows that Australia and the US have comparable traceability systems and that this decision was grounded in scientific evidence,” she said. “All imported food must meet Australian safety and compliance standards, and the department’s biosecurity assessments follow standard procedures.”
The debate follows Trade Minister Don Farrell’s mistaken claim that US President Donald Trump had personally asked Prime Minister Albanese to lift the US beef ban. Albanese later clarified that Trump had not brought up the issue in any of their three phone conversations. Instead, Trump referenced Australia’s treatment of US beef during his Liberation Day tariff announcement in April, which included a 10 per cent levy on general Australian imports.
