Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09CANBERRA46
2009-01-14 04:30:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Canberra
Cable title:
AMBASSADOR PUSHES LIFTING OF AUSTRALIAN BAN ON US BEEF AND
how-toVZCZCXRO6176 RR RUEHPT DE RUEHBY #0046 0140430 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 140430Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY CANBERRA TO RUEHRC/DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON DC INFO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0821 RUEHWL/AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON 5598 RUEHDN/AMCONSUL SYDNEY 4104 RUEHBN/AMCONSUL MELBOURNE 5896 RUEHPT/AMCONSUL PERTH 4162
UNCLAS CANBERRA 000046
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
USDA FOR FAS/OSTA AND ONA; STATE PASS USTR/BELL/WENTZEL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR AS
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PUSHES LIFTING OF AUSTRALIAN BAN ON US BEEF AND
BEEF PRODUCT EXPORTS
UNCLAS CANBERRA 000046
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
USDA FOR FAS/OSTA AND ONA; STATE PASS USTR/BELL/WENTZEL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR AS
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PUSHES LIFTING OF AUSTRALIAN BAN ON US BEEF AND
BEEF PRODUCT EXPORTS
1. (SBU) Summary: On January 13, Ambassador McCallum spoke with
Australian Minister of Agriculture, Tony Burke, to urge Australia to
lift its ban on the import of US beef and beef products. Citing the
need to remove this non-science based import ban, the Ambassador
urged that removing this would eliminate a long-term irritant and be
welcome news for the incoming Administration. Burke said that
Australia is undertaking an Interdepartmental Review process of the
ban and that the Cabinet will need to make the final decision.
While this process could take anywhere from several weeks to several
months, it is positive news that the government is reviewing their
five-year old decision. END SUMMARY
2. (SBU) Ambassador spoke with Minister Burke and urged that with
the recent release of Australia's review of its quarantine system
(Beale Report),NOW is an opportune time for Australia to lift its
ban on the import of US beef and beef products. He pointed out that
the safety of trade of US beef and products is fully recognized by
the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and that the
symbolism in lifting this import ban could be important in setting a
positive tone for trade relations with the incoming administration.
3. (SBU) Burke acknowledged the US interest in seeking a favorable
resolution to this issue and said that his Ministry is preparing its
position in advance of an "Interdepartmental Review Process"; he
expects a final recommendation in a week or so. Once that is
complete, the full Cabinet review process will begin. Burke noted
that this will take more than a matter of weeks.
4. (SBU) Comment: The fact that an internal review is underway is a
positive sign that Australia may eliminate this restriction.
Nonetheless, nothing should be taken for granted. For example,
recently the government concluded its import risk analysis for
imports of cooked chicken and apparently ignored the scientific
comments provided by the United States and the European Union. As a
result, US exports of cooked poultry will likely continue to be
non-existent.
MCCALLUM
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
USDA FOR FAS/OSTA AND ONA; STATE PASS USTR/BELL/WENTZEL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR AS
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PUSHES LIFTING OF AUSTRALIAN BAN ON US BEEF AND
BEEF PRODUCT EXPORTS
1. (SBU) Summary: On January 13, Ambassador McCallum spoke with
Australian Minister of Agriculture, Tony Burke, to urge Australia to
lift its ban on the import of US beef and beef products. Citing the
need to remove this non-science based import ban, the Ambassador
urged that removing this would eliminate a long-term irritant and be
welcome news for the incoming Administration. Burke said that
Australia is undertaking an Interdepartmental Review process of the
ban and that the Cabinet will need to make the final decision.
While this process could take anywhere from several weeks to several
months, it is positive news that the government is reviewing their
five-year old decision. END SUMMARY
2. (SBU) Ambassador spoke with Minister Burke and urged that with
the recent release of Australia's review of its quarantine system
(Beale Report),NOW is an opportune time for Australia to lift its
ban on the import of US beef and beef products. He pointed out that
the safety of trade of US beef and products is fully recognized by
the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and that the
symbolism in lifting this import ban could be important in setting a
positive tone for trade relations with the incoming administration.
3. (SBU) Burke acknowledged the US interest in seeking a favorable
resolution to this issue and said that his Ministry is preparing its
position in advance of an "Interdepartmental Review Process"; he
expects a final recommendation in a week or so. Once that is
complete, the full Cabinet review process will begin. Burke noted
that this will take more than a matter of weeks.
4. (SBU) Comment: The fact that an internal review is underway is a
positive sign that Australia may eliminate this restriction.
Nonetheless, nothing should be taken for granted. For example,
recently the government concluded its import risk analysis for
imports of cooked chicken and apparently ignored the scientific
comments provided by the United States and the European Union. As a
result, US exports of cooked poultry will likely continue to be
non-existent.
MCCALLUM