Industrial Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth has confirmed that the government will lift restrictions on US beef imports into Australia.
An anonymous government source first confirmed the move to the Financial Review on Wednesday. Appearing on Nine’s Today on Thursday, Rishworth confirmed that the ban would be lifted.
“That is a decision for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, but my understanding is that that has been, will be lifted as a result of a decades-long review,” she said. “This is a decade-long review that’s been going on and has happened under previous governments as well.”
Rishworth reiterated that the government wouldn’t compromise on biosecurity. Asked if the move would disadvantage Australian beef producers, Rishworth disagreed.
“We believe in free and fair trade, and our farmers very much benefit from being able to export their products right around the world.”