Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to respond to two questions, the first one being from Senator O'Sullivan to me in my capacity as the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, relating to regional speed limits. Some roads in Australia do not have signposted speed limits. This means that a default speed limit applies on these roads. The Australian Road Rules do not specify a default speed limit for unsealed roads. We are seeking feedback from industry, interested stakeholders and members of the public on the options for lowering the current default speed limit outside of built-up areas, introducing a default speed limit for unsealed roads outside of built-up areas and the potential road safety benefits of reducing default speed limits outside of built-up areas. This information is stated on the department's website, where members of the public are welcome to make their submissions until 10 November.

I also have a response for Senator Whitten in my capacity as the Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, relating to Bovaer 10. The Australian government is not mandating the use of any methane inhibiter. Meat and Livestock Australia has spent more than $1 million investigating. To date, all research on Bovaer has confirmed that the product is safe for consumers as well as for handlers when standard safety practices are adhered to. International food safety authorities, including the EU's European Food Safety Authority and the UK's Food Standards Agency, have assessed it and consider it safe for use. Food Standards Australia New Zealand sets chemical residue limits for domestic produce through the Food Standards Code. The code does not permit any residues of Bovaer in food, and this is able to be enforced by state and territory food regulatory agencies. Additionally, the code requires meat and dairy producers to ensure that all inputs, including feed additives, do not compromise the safety or suitability of their products.