At the request of Senators Heffernan, Xenophon, Madigan, Williams, Back and Siewert, I move:

That the following matters be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 17 June 2013:

(a) the possible imminent importation of beef products from countries whose cattle herds have bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and/or foot and-mouth disease (FMD);

(b) the processes undertaken by Australian government agencies in determining risk to consumers and industry and the adequacy of such processes;

(c) the lessons to be learnt from the recent contamination of the beef supply chain with horse meat throughout Europe and its implications for Australian consumers and industry;

(d) the likely implications of allowing imports of beef from BSE and FMD countries on Australia's international reputation and standing as the world's safest exporter of beef;

(e) the adequacy of Australian food labelling laws to ensure Australian consumers can make a fully informed choice on Australian meat products; and

(f) any related matters.

Question agreed to.