Hello Leigh and J R,
Got home at 4pm yesterday and very overcast -had 2 inches and still raining . Meant to be taking a truckload of Lambs to Fletchers in Dubbo on Wed- won't get out.
Just thought I would do this e-mail to thank you both and your team for that enlightening meeting.I have been around the fringes looking and learning and watching for years(ABA Director for three) Resigned last year over a row with office and lack of results but am still on their team and .run an ABA Group -forum on Agmates
http://agmates.ning.com/forum/topics/how-many-cases-of-atypical-bse?xg_source=activity
You are both too busy for this nonsense but it is but one example of what I mean.
By cooincidence a lot of us were in the same motel on Sat night and I was able to meet several Cattle Council blokes and also my old team in Brad . and co. It was a rare thing to meet these types as we normally wouldn't cross paths. I shouted a few rums and we had a bit of a prod and a laugh and sized each other up.
Lee McNicholl has a bee in his bonnet over this BSE (frustrated vet looking for attention) and was about the only one who supported govts stance.I was impressed withyour union rep-if they come on side it will help shame Rudd and his Latte sippers.
Richard Torbay settled my worries of the MSA v Teeth argument that is being fanned by the big end of town up here. We need all meat graded and it seems that they can sit side by side( somehow?) This is vital to get unity for the bigger cause of getting theMLA neutered (either $1 levy or totally scrapped)
The ABA and myself have the dilemma of the Oppositions members bill that will demand reciprical traceability. Noone wants imports here and the bse is a risk. As of today with this crazy decission NLIS being mandatory is a legally challengable farce.
A couple of years ago I had this idea that I put to the board to solve the NLIS . Put simply it was this.
That on the first transfer off PIC the pic owner would receive a $10 Rebate from the Levy Collection Unit.
This in effect would be the breeder who would get $5 to fit and buy the tag plus the first levy free for being the foundation of the beef chain. Could be done every three months similar to the ATO Bas
This would have straightened up the data base over time as people would ensure the transfers to get their ten bucks.This got knocked down by the board who didn't want to help it but wanted it scrapped. I do too but I knew it wasn't going to happen
It seems to me that this may be the compromise for Heffernan's Bill. If the Govt want "perception or Deception" -let them pay -not me the breeder! Also If all the breeders first levies disappeared it would gut the MLA- so win win as a Govt w.nker would say.
I was staggered to learn that a worker only takes home 58% of the cost to the employer- this has to change. I am a true blue breeder and my line in the sand is $2 per kg for quality young animals in the future (I'm sure we could get into an arguement over that!)
Good luck with it all- you are true leaders, Regards Rob Moore.
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JR, Leigh & Kerry
I have just returned from Armidale having had a great day at the Beef Forum in Armidale today. I want to pass on my congratulations to you all for a great day - well done!! It is bleedingly obvious that unless people in our industry start to stand up to policy makers, so called Industry representatives and government bodies that we will continue to be railroaded on matters of importance to the everyday well being of all concerned. Thankfully people like yourselves are so committed to the cause - again congratulations and keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Mark Byrne
Manager,
Gunnee Feedlot
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Hi Leigh,
Well done for the organisation to make it happen on Saturday.
With regard to the motion that Mic ( union rep. ) moved and I seconded would I be able to get a copy of the final wording please. I want to take the matter further and build on that motion to include all Australian produced food be labelled 100% Australian. Consumers need the information in front of them to make a clear choice.
I listened to Alan Jones on 2GB this morning and he gave the forum very good coverage and in particular the importation of meat. Were you able to pass on the last resolution of the day?
Regards,
Andrew Wood
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Thanks to the link put on Facebook I have just sent a protest email to the fed members.
Good for you for making people aware of this.
Chris Bellanger
Copy of my email below:
POINT ONE:
AAP Press report march 15th, 2010:
" A 10-year ban on beef imports from countries that have had bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was lifted on March 1……..Then the government did a back flip due to a "fear campaign".
Presuming that this was correctly quoted, this was no 'fear campaign' but genuine concern by farmers and consumers. To call it a fear campaign is an insult to those who have a genuine concern for their industry, livelihoods and families!
Beef farmers are already doing it extremely hard and many produce under the cost of production, especially here in WA. Sure, it's the risk they take like any other primary industry, and they are prepared to wait it out until better prices come along, without government handouts! To even support this action in the first place shows scant concern for this important Australian industry or the people in it, especially when the amount imported is currently minimal and carries known risk.
And your government says it supports working families. Question: Does that exclude self employed people in rural Australia?
POINT 2.
NATIONAL Rural News 5.03.10
"A review into the labeling of food in Australia will address whether country of origin labeling should apply to beef.
The guidelines for the review were released this morning, five days after the Federal Government removed a ban on imports of beef from countries which have had mad cow disease.
The committee conducting the independent review has released a consultation paper, based on 6000 submissions outlining concerns of Australia's food labeling policies.
It raises questions such as which foods, if any, should be required to have country of origin labeling.
Currently, country of origin labeling only applies to certain products, namely packaged food, and a limited range of unpackaged foods, such as pork, seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables, but not chicken or beef.
The review will also address how the labels 'Australian Made' and 'Product of Australia' can be clarified for consumers".
My question is this: Why, when most imported products require country of origin labeling (and have done for some time now), has your government been so tardy in applying this to beef and chicken? Why would you even consider an independent review when common sense should prevail and the general public of Australia expects this knowledge and security to make informed choices?
Mrs Chris Bellanger
PO Box 122
WALPOLE WA 6398
