AgForce calls out Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s comments at the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award gala dinner at Parliament house when discussing a dinner had with the Indonesian President-Elect.
In a room addressing six-hundred people, majority of whom are members of the industry, he said “when we had dinner, beautiful Australian beef, not the live export, we made sure it was dead.”
AgForce CEO, Michael Guerin was in attendance and says the comments made on live export were “completely out of touch.”
“The Prime Minister’s comments validate the concerns of the industry that the current decision making surrounding live export is uninformed and treated dismissively,” he says.
“These poorly made comments are only adding salt into the wound and are doing nothing to repair the relationship between the government and industry.”
“Furthermore, this comment adds to the uncertainty regarding the government’s stance on the future of live cattle exports.”
“AgForce seeks a clear assurance from the Prime Minister that this vital industry will not be under threat now or in future election cycles.”