Wednesday 1 June 2022
The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) welcomes the new Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Murray Watt, as announced by the Prime Minister. AMIC also congratulates and welcomes The Hon Tanya Plibersek as Minister for Environment and Water, The Hon Julie Collins as Minister for Small Business, and The Hon Tony Burke as Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.
AMIC represents the post-farmgate Australian meat industry and will be instrumental in working closely with the new ministry across a range of portfolios, notably Agriculture, Trade, Home Affairs and Immigration, Employment, Industry, Small Business, and workplace skills and training.
“We’re calling on each of these Ministers, as well as the new leadership team, to recognise the Australian food chain, recognise the importance of the Australian meat supply chain, and work with us to address our key issues as a priority, including workforce shortages, biosecurity, trade barriers, logistical challenges, and sustainability,” said AMIC CEO Patrick Hutchinson.
“AMIC stands ready as a trusted advisor to all ministers on our industry issues and broader meat and livestock issues in Australia.
“We’re Australia’s biggest agricultural exporter, one of Australia’s largest manufacturers, and one of the largest rural and regional employers,” he said.
“The impacts of COVID-19 over the past two years on the food supply chain, and in particular the Omicron impacts in January this year, showed the huge impact and strain on the Australian supply chain due to worker shortage.
“This is a serious impact on food security and the viability of our farmers. If we do not have an adequate workforce to manage the livestock supply and throughput process, which is about to return to record levels, the entire industry will suffer, including Australian farmers.”
ENDS
About
The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC), is the sole Peak Industry body representing the post-farm gate meat industry, including processors, smallgoods manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors through to independent retail butchers and exporters.
Media contact
Catharine Heffernan, General Manager – Communications | M: 0437 196 882 | E: [email protected]
