The Nationals are calling for a Senate inquiry into the federal government’s decision to restart US beef imports, accusing the government of overlooking its own scientific guidance.
The recent announcement lifted biosecurity restrictions on beef from the US, including meat originally from Canada or Mexico but processed in the US.
Nationals leader and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud says the Coalition wants the inquiry to clarify how the decision was made. They’re seeking support from the Greens to initiate the investigation through the Senate’s Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee.
Littleproud claims the move to fully reopen US beef imports for the first time since 2019 was politically motivated, suggesting it was aimed at helping Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secure a meeting with then-President Trump, rather than being based on sound science.
His concerns stem from a March report by the Inspector-General of Biosecurity, which urged more independent scientific scrutiny of import risk assessments. The report recommended expanding the role of the scientific advisory group to provide better oversight, especially for animal biosecurity, which it said lagged behind plant biosecurity in terms of consistency and development.
Littleproud accused the government of ignoring these recommendations, despite the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) agreeing to them. He said the government could not provide adequate details about biosecurity measures or traceability for cattle, especially those originating from Mexico.
“They announced the import decision without having a protocol in place,” Littleproud said. “They couldn’t explain how traceability would work for these cattle. It shows the department is scrambling to follow through on a political move.”
He warned that the decision could expose Australia to serious diseases like tuberculosis and mad cow disease, urging public concern over potential biosecurity risks.
Labor Agriculture Minister Julie Collins has been approached for comment. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Albanese responded over the weekend, accusing the Nationals of politicising the issue. He said the decision was based on independent departmental advice, not political influence.
The Greens were also contacted but stated they had not yet reviewed the proposed inquiry.
