Australia won't weaken biosecurity laws now

Canberra

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Friday that his government will not weaken biosecurity laws while discussing the possible lifting of the US beef import ban. The ban has been in place for some US beef since 2003 to protect Australia’s food safety.

Reports said Albanese’s government might use the beef import restrictions as leverage to get an exemption from US tariffs. But Albanese responded by saying food safety rules will not be compromised in any trade deal. He told ABC radio, “We'll never loosen any rules regarding our biosecurity.”

Australia had lifted a full ban on US beef imports in 2019, but some restrictions remain for beef from Canadian and Mexican cattle slaughtered in the US. The US government has called Australia’s biosecurity laws a trade issue ahead of new tariffs.

Officials in Australia think it may be possible to adjust biosecurity rules without risking safety to allow more US beef imports. Albanese is expected to meet US President Donald Trump at the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit in Canada.

Health Minister Mark Butler said the beef restrictions have been reviewed carefully. He said decisions will be made based on national interest, not just to make trade deals.

Albanese called the US tariffs economic “self-harm” and said he looks forward to meeting Trump face to face. Australia remains firm on protecting its biosecurity while seeking fair trade talks with the US.