Motion: Beef Industry

Senator O'SULLIVAN (Queensland-Nationals Whip in the Senate) (15:52):

I, and also on behalf of Senators Canavan and Williams, move:

That the Senate notes that:

(a) the Australian beef industry contributed $8.5 billion to the national economy in 2013 14;

(b) in 2014, the United States became our largest beef export market, worth $2.44 billion, or around 32 per cent of the total value of our beef exports; and

(c) this is an important sign of our rural producers capitalising effectively on opportunities in overseas markets, delivering real returns at the farm gate and for our nation's economy.

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (15:53): I seek leave to move an amendment to the motion.

Leave granted.

Senator RHIANNON: I move the following amendment:

At the end of paragraph (c) add:

(d) ending live animal exports and developing the Australian meat processing sector would boost skills, assist producers and create jobs in northern Australia.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: The question is that the amendment moved by Senator Rhiannon be agreed to.

Question negatived.

Original question agreed to.