Press Release

AQIS COST INCREASES CONCERN

WA’s Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association has urged  Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke to order a review of AQIS  costs, services and regulations before removing inspection subsidies on Australia’s meat processing and livestock export industries.

PGA Livestock Chairman Tim D’Arcy said federal action to re-impose full recovery for AQIS services on the meat industry would be devastating for the meat processing sector and also in particular for WA sheep and cattle producers who were heavily dependent on livestock exports.

“New costs of around .50c/head on sheep and lambs and of $5/head for cattle have been mooted and these are charges that would inevitably be borne by producers,” Mr D’Arcy said.

“AQIS is not entitled to impose such costs without full and proper justification and should also be required to work with industry to review current regulations and its own efficiencies.”

“We do not wish to see Australia’s ability to meet growing global demand for red meat hampered by increased costs and red tape,” Mr D’Arcy said.