Grassroots cattle producers and the general public have expressed overwhelming concern at plans by the Federal Government to lift the ban on beef imports from countries that have had BSE or mad cow disease outbreaks, according to the Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams.

Senator Williams has conducted a poll on his website asking if people agree with the Federal Government decision, and 3,191 votes were recorded in a three weeks period.

3,150 people or 98.7% said they did not agree with the new policy, and of that number 1,043 were beef producers.

Senator Williams said it is a clear message to the Government and industry bodies that people are not comfortable with these imports if there has been no import risk analysis, and originating countries do not have equivalent trace back mechanisms such as the National Livestock Identification Scheme.

“Australia has the best beef in the world and people should not have any fears about enjoying a steak or any other beef product.

I have given notice in the Senate that the Coalition will introduce a bill in the next sittings seeking the tightening of the framework”, Senator Williams said.

The results of the beef poll have been presented to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke, Minister for Trade Simon Crean, and Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon.