May 27, 2004

Questions Over Legal Challenge To Pork Import Decision In Australia

Questions have been raised over whether pork producers should be launching a legal challenge against Biosecurity Australia's import risk analysis, which recommends the importation of pig meat.

A confidential report commissioned by the National Farmers Federation has found the import risk analysis is based on sound science.

The report, prepared by the NFF's scientific advisor Tony Shannon, has been rejected by the pork industry.

Australian Pork Ltd chairman Paul Higgins says the industry will still go ahead with its legal challenge to overturn the decision.

"We've got an opinion from Tony Shannon, we have an opinion from Biosecurity Australia, we have an opinion from Roger Morris from New Zealand; we have a clear view from the Senate Inquiry that they're not happy, and they want the quarantine process re-done and the decision overturned.

"This just highlights that what we need is a rigorous, independent review of this whole process, and of the CSIRO modelling.

"It's just a shame that APL has to go to court to get that, rather than get one done properly without going to court."

The report will be considered further at the NFF's full council meeting next month.