Decision to allow importation of pig meat & cooked chicken disappointing

11/11/97

Primary Industry Minister Monty House said today he was disappointed that the Federal Minister had not listened to industry concerns and allowed the importation of pig meat and cooked chicken into Australia.

Mr House said despite protests from chicken producers throughout Australia, Federal Primary Industry Minister John Anderson had agreed to the importation of cooked chicken meat from Denmark, the USA and Thailand.

Chicken producers have expressed concerns about the lifting of restrictions which were put in place to protect the local industry from foreign disease.

"Western Australia has a developing chicken industry which is in danger of suffering financially as a result of the Minister's decision," Mr House said.

The Minister also said he was also disappointed at the Federal Government's decision to allow pig meat to be imported from Denmark.

"I only hope this decision leads to other countries responding in positive and quick manner to break down tarriff barriers," he said.

"It is also vitally important that these imported meats are prepared to the highest possible health standards so Australian consumers can be assured of the quality of the product."

Mr House urged all consumers to buy Australian - and where possible WA - chicken and pig meat products to support our local industries.