Nationals Leader David Littleproud has welcomed news China will lift its ban on five Australian beef exporters, effective immediately.
The exporters are the Kilcoy Pastoral Company, Meramist, Beef City, Dinmore, and the Northern Cooperative Meat Company at Casino.
The meatworks had been trading beef worth around $1 billion when they were locked out of China during a trade war that started four years ago.
Bans remain on another two exporters – John Dee and Australian Country Choice.
Mr Littleproud said China’s decision is a positive step for Australian beef farmers and producers and a huge boost for the beef industry.
“I would like to thank the Chinese Ambassador for turning the page on this crucial issue,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The challenge now will be the strain on workforce, which is why we desperately need to reinstate the Agriculture Visa, to help give our beef industry the tools our farmers need.
“The sector is currently working at just 60 to 70 per cent capacity. The Ag Visa would help the workforce by allowing more capacity and in turn, increasing supply, which would help drive beef prices down for families amid a cost-of-living crisis.
“We need foreign workers at the right quantities and in the right place and that’s why a future Nationals Government will reinstate the Ag Visa, while still having a commonsense migration policy.”
Mr Littleproud said the two abattoirs which remain suspended are hopeful they will be included in the next phase of China’s ban lifting.
“They are receiving positive feedback and of course, we support the speedy removal of China’s bans across all abattoirs.
“The Nationals will always back Australian farmers and our beef industry.”
