Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I note the comments that Senator Lazarus has made about one particular meat processor but that is certainly not the view of the entire industry. I might quote Senator Lazarus a submission from JBS, another major employer in my town, Rockhampton. They made a submission to a Senate red meat inquiry, which I would suggest the senator should get involved in. That submission said:

As an industry based on free market principles we do not need more government intervention or costs in the red meat supply chain. There is a role for government in ensuring the integrity of the red meat product for domestic and export markets. In addition, to drive competitiveness and profitability requires commitment, action and above all cooperation from all stakeholders in the supply chain–from the farm gate to processors and up to the Commonwealth Government.

I would suggest the best way we can help our red meat industry is that the entire supply chain work together, not to try and hurt some and penalise others to help some in Australia—that is not our approach. We reject what Senator Lazarus is suggesting.