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

As I said, RMAC will be consulted while the protocols of the importation of beef are being developed.

The health and safety of the Australian population was at the centre of the review and policy change. That is why a significant review has been undertaken by Professor Mathews, an eminent scientist with over 40 years experience. In his report, Professor Mathews explained that the science has improved significantly over recent years. He found that:

… an estimate of the absolute risk to Australians from UK beef imports, if this was to be allowed, is found to be—

I want to make sure those opposite really understand, because I do not think they quite get it. The absolute risk to Australians is:

… 40 million times less than the risk from road accidents.

The Mathews report, written by an expert, was also peer reviewed by expert scientists under the National Health and Medical Research Council.