C'wlth announcement on foreign ownership of meat industry welcomed

3/12/96

Primary Industry Minister Monty House today welcomed Federal Primary Industry Minister John Anderson's announcement that foreign ownership of Australia's meat processing sector would come under scrutiny as part of a review of investment in the industry by the Commonwealth Government.

Mr House said he agreed with, and welcomed, Mr Anderson's concern about the lack of Australian investment in meat processing and the consequent dominance of foreign capital.

The Minister stated his concerns about foreign ownership in agriculture during the launch of the Coalition's primary industry policy in Albany just a few weeks ago.

He said Western Australia was part of the global meat market and prices in this State were affected by what happened in the Eastern States and the rest of the world.

"While I support John Anderson's call for this review, I would like to see the review examine the effect foreign ownership in the meat processing sector has on beef prices," Mr House said.

"The study also needs to look at why there is not more Australian investment in the meat processing sector and make recommendations as to how the level of Australian investment in the meat processing sector could be increased."

Mr House also said WA should not be allowing imported meat into Australia from countries that had in many cases hidden subsidies to their producers.

Neither should the State allow imported products from countries which did not impose the most stringent health and quarantine standards.

"I will be raising my concerns about foreign ownership not only in the beef but the agricultural industry as a whole with the Federal Minister as soon as possible," the Minister said.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell (09) 481 2044