The Nationals have claimed Agriculture Minister Julie Collins failed to consult the Scientific Advisory Group when she lifted a ban on beef imports from the United States.
The Inspector-General of Biosecurity handed down a review of the import risk analysis process on March 28, recommending the Department of Agriculture review the role of the Scientific Advisory Group and focus on “the ability to seek independent expert input when necessary”.
The department agreed, saying it “values the role of the Scientific Advisory Group to independently verify the department’s scientific analysis and agrees to review the role of the Scientific Advisory Group to ensure that it remains fit for purpose”.
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The Scientific Advisory Group’s 1.7-year term, however, lapsed on March 1.
Nationals Leader David Littleproud said it appeared that Collins had “either refused or ignored advice” from the Inspector-General of Biosecurity to consult the Scientific Advisory Group.
“Minister Collins needs to explain why the advice of the Inspector-General of Biosecurity wasn’t considered and why it has fallen on deaf ears when it comes to such an important decision,” he said.
“Is the Minister ignoring her own Inspector-General of Biosecurity, and if so, does that put Australia’s biosecurity at risk?
“Is Labor willing to undermine Australia’s high biosecurity, just so Prime Minister Anthony Albanese can obtain a meeting with US President Donald Trump?”
9news.com.au has contacted the Department of Agriculture for comment.
The Albanese government said the decision was made after a decade-long review, and not to appease Trump, who had complained about Australia’s restrictions.
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“We have not compromised on biosecurity. My department has done a rigorous assessment. This process has now been ongoing for around a decade,” Collins said at a press conference last week.
Collins stressed the decision was “purely based” on “science and a rigorous assessment by my department”.
“Our biosecurity risk assessment process is very robust, and I have faith in the officials in my department to do this appropriately. These are experts in the field,” she said.
Littlepoud said it is “clear further investigation is needed” and is calling for an independent scientific review into the department’s US beef review.
“It appears there has been no peer review of this decision,” he said.
Cattle Australia has echoed similar calls for an independent review, with chief executive Will Evans saying there is “simply too much at stake” not to get a “second opinion”.
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The Coalition has gone a step further, pushing for a Senate inquiry.
A blanket biosecurity ban was placed on beef imports from the US more than 20 years ago after a devastating outbreak of mad cow disease.
That ban was partially lifted for cattle raised and slaughtered in the US, but not for cattle raised in Canada and Mexico but slaughtered in the US, in 2019.
Last week, the federal government confirmed the ban was lifted entirely.
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