Glenn Sterle (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thought I was being nice, actually. AMIC’s press release states:

The Australian Meat Industry Council has announced today its agreement to the terms and conditions for a return to full cost recovery for AQIS export certification charges based upon a commitment by the federal government to implement—ready?—a groundbreaking suite of reforms to the meat inspection system in Australia.

It goes on to state:

In addition to the new AQIS reform agenda, a range of technology improvements, IT upgrades and a new plant performance rating tool and new market access consultation arrangements between government and industry will be implemented.

Further:

Minister Burke has committed over $289 million—

this is to AMIC—

to the various elements of the reform package, the implementation of which will begin immediately. Gary Berridge, Chairman of AMIC’s Australian Processing Council said today.

Mr Berridge went on to say:

We commend Minister Burke for his foresight and willingness to listen to industry in establishing a new framework for exports certification in Australia that will elevate its standing as a leader in this field internationally and provide a platform for Australia’s global competitiveness for the next 10 to 15 years.

It does not sound like they have had the guts ripped out of them—to use Senator Colbeck’s terminology; it sounds like a resounding endorsement of the minister’s hard work. And, not only that, the minister is seeking—lo and behold, this might come as a bit of shock to those opposite—the views of the industry.

The press release goes on to say:

The outcomes achieved today are the result of input by a broad cross-section of industry and government on both sides of the House, and I thank them for all their considered input and guidance in achieving this momentous outcome.

That is Gary Berridge from AMIC. There are also words of encouragement from the Australian Livestock Exporters Council, Horticulture Australia and the like, but I will not go on because of the time limit.

The line of questioning today from the opposition was that, for some reason, there was something sinister going on within Austrade. There has been a lot of commentary on that today. Quite simply, for the record—