Julie Collins (Franklin, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

We have not compromised on biosecurity at all in any way, shape or form, and the member opposite would know, of course, we've had to put around $2 billion additional into biosecurity since we came to office because of the way they left our biosecurity system.

The other thing I would say to the member opposite is he would be aware that this decision has been coming for some time. He would know all about the process that I have spoken about. He would know about the industry engagement that has occurred throughout this process. The other things that he would know are that the US and Australia traceability systems are equivalent and that the decision has been taken, based on science, around the US system and the Australian traceability system, and all food imported into Australia must be safe and compliant with our food standards. This has been done on a scientific basis, and the member opposite would know that the department's security assessment is done in the usual manner as it is done for every other import into this country.

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