Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee

Wendy Askew

At the request of Senator Canavan, I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 October 2025:

The Australian Government's decision to allow United States of America beef derived from bovines born and raised in North and Central America to be imported into Australia, with particular reference to:

(a) the possible impending threat of importing beef products from cattle herds in North and Central America which have been, or may be, exposed to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) or other serious cattle borne diseases;

(b) the processes undertaken by the Australian Government in determining biosecurity risk to consumers and industry, and the adequacy of such processes;

(c) the adequacy of the biosecurity import risk assessment, associated processes and advice from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in relation to importing beef and beef products from the United States of America (USA);

(d) the implication of future possible BSE and FMD outbreaks in the USA or other relevant countries on biosecurity assurances in Australia;

(e) the protocols that would apply to beef products imported from the USA and equivalency in standards;

(f) the Inspector-General of Biosecurity's review of the management and application of the import risk analysis process and recommendations;

(g) the possible implications of allowing imports from the USA for Australia's international and domestic reputation as the world's safest producer of beef; and

(h) any other related matters.

Sue Lines

The question is that business of the Senate notice of motion No. 1, standing in the name of Senator Canavan, be agreed to.