20 December 2007
DAFF07/003B

The Productivity Commission has found in its report Safeguards Inquiry into the Import of Pigmeat, that provisional safeguard measures on pigmeat imports are not warranted.

The Productivity Commission released the report, known as the accelerated report, ahead of a final report due in March 2008 to ensure Australia meets its obligations to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, said that before the election both sides of politics agreed that the Productivity Commission would provide the process to deal with the problems faced by the industry.

“When I met with representatives of the Australian pork industry in Tamworth last week, I heard first hand about the financial strain on many in the industry,” Mr Burke said.

The accelerated report is part of a wider inquiry. The Commission will continue to examine whether safeguard action against pigmeat imports is warranted, along with longer-term issues such as the structure of the Australian pigmeat industry and feed costs.

The Commission has already received 100 submissions, and 30 individuals and organisations have participated in public hearings around the country.

The Commission will continue to consult widely in its ongoing investigation, and Mr Burke urged those interested to make further submissions to the inquiry.

“The Commission’s findings in the accelerated report will be notified to the World Trade Organization, consistent with Australia’s international obligations,” Mr Burke said.