Senate debates Questions without Notice
Cattle Industry: Methane-Reducing Feed Additives
Tyron Whitten WA, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party
2:15 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Minister McCarthy. The Danish government has introduced mandates to use Bovaer 10 to reduce methane production in its dairy industry, to meet climate targets. Is Labor considering similar measures for dairy and livestock in Australia?
Malarndirri McCarthy NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians
2:16 pm
Thank you, Senator, for the question. The answer is no, but we are introducing methane-reducing additives.
Tyron Whitten WA, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party
Bovaer 10 is already in use in Australia, with some of our major retailers sourcing meat grown with the additive. There is no requirement to label milk or meat as containing Bovaer 10, limiting customers' ability to choose. Does Labor believe that an Australian's right to know what is in their food is secondary to the perceived climate impacts of cow burps?
Malarndirri McCarthy NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians
Can I just put on the record for the Senate that this government always wants Australians to know about most things. I would certainly object to the introduction of your question. We are certainly—
Paul Scarr Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration
Except the redacted bits.
Malarndirri McCarthy NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians
That's not quite true, but anyway. We are supporting the introduction of methane-reducing additives, as I've said.
Tyron Whitten WA, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party
2:17 pm
Since the introduction of Bovaer 10 mandates in Denmark, which started on 1 October 2025, there have been increased reports of cattle becoming sick, collapsing and, in some cases, being euthanised. Are Australians at risk from these additives in their food?
Malarndirri McCarthy NT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Indigenous Australians
I do believe I've answered the questions, but I'm happy to take some more on notice in terms of any particular examples that you may have for the minister.