E&OE..................
Good evening. We all know that Australia's farmers are just about
the most efficient and productive in the world - and don't require
subsidies to compete overseas. That's why all Australians have every
right to be deeply angered at the US decision to slap heavy tariffs
on our lamb exports into America.
It has been the can-do attitude of Australian farmers that has created
a market for Australian lamb in the United States without any government
subsidies. When a group of us work hard enough and smart enough to
take on the strongest country in the world only to be punished for
our success, my Government will respond with all means at its disposal.
I expressed our anger and disappointment personally to President Clinton.
I told him that there is no justice in his decision. Our trading partners
can't preach about opening up other markets when they are slamming
the door on Australian lamb producers. I told the President that this
decision helps no one. Consumers in the US will pay higher prices.
American lamb producers will be just as inefficient and Australian
farmers will be slugged for producing a better product.
The Government will stand by Australian lamb producers. We will cut
their costs by effectively cutting in half the transaction levy now
applying to lamb sold in Australia. This arrangement will be for two
years.
We will also establish a Lamb Industry Development Programme worth
up to $3 million per year. This programme will provide grants for
developing infrastructure, building demand for lamb and further boosting
industry productivity and innovation.
On top of this we will take this issue up with the international trade
umpire, the World Trade Organisation.
The Government will not let Australia's farmers down. We will continue
to argue for access to international markets so that the best efforts
and cleverness of Australian farmers can be turned to our national
advantage. Good night.
[ENDS]