Qld government blindsided as Federal Government lifts US beef ban

The state government has slammed the lack of consultation around a federal decision to lift biosecurity restrictions on US beef imports with Tony Perrett saying he learnt of it on the radio.

Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett. Picture: Brendan Radke

The Queensland Government was blindsided by Australia’s decision to lift biosecurity restrictions on US beef imports, with Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett learning of the potentially multi-billion dollar trade shift on the radio when visiting farmers.

Speaking exclusively to The Courier-Mail, Mr Perrett said he was “extremely disappointed” by the lack of consultation, particularly given Queensland’s beef producers account for almost half the national herd.

The Kilkivan beef producer warned biosecurity laws must remain sacrosanct and not be used as a “bargaining tool” in wider trade negotiations, such as those seeking relief from tough US tariffs on Australian steel and aluminium.

“We’re absolutely relying on the federal government, and that’s why we need the detail,” Mr Perrett said.

“We absolutely need the detail around what they’ve agreed to and what it actually means in a practical sense to Queensland’s beef industry.”

He called for transparency on how the decision was made, including what scientific advice was considered, what guarantees were in place to protect Australia’s biosecurity, and whether industry had been consulted at all.

“Beef producers should know how this change has come about... what has been considered in the decision-making process, what scientific advice or evidence has been considered, and what guarantees can be provided that Australia’s biosecurity is the priority,” he said.

Federal Minister for Agriculture Julie Collins. Picture: Martin Ollman

Mr Perrett said he would write to Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins on Thursday afternoon and noted her claim the move was “based off science”.

“Decisions need to be based on that,” he said.

“There’s just absolutely no room for compromise in any of that, so that’s why we need that detail to be released by the federal minister immediately.”

Ms Collins reiterated the Australian government has not relaxed biosecurity rules and that the US beef import decision was not motivated by the threat of US tariffs.

Mr Perrett’s frustration with the federal government followed his decision in March to write to the federal minister to seek clarity over impacts the Queensland beef industry would have in response to US trade tariffs.

“I didn’t get a response then, and I haven’t received any communication about what the media are reporting today,” Mr Perrett said.

Originally published as Qld government blindsided as Federal Government lifts US beef ban