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Appeal against judgment on pigmeat imports
7 June 2005
DAFF05/1D
The Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine will lodge an appeal against a Federal Court judgment on the import of pigmeat.
On 27 May 2005 the decision of Justice Wilcox on the import of pigmeat was handed down. Justice Wilcox upheld a challenge by Australian Pork Limited and Windridge Farms against decisions by the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine setting conditions for the importation of pigmeat and in relation to one import permit.
The Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine emphasised that Biosecurity Australia and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry remain committed to thorough, science-based analysis of the risks associated with potential imports. Every effort is made to ensure that Australia’s favourable pest and disease status is protected.
On the basis of a thorough examination of the judgment by the Department and its lawyers, the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine has decided to lodge an appeal with the full Federal Court and, if necessary, seek a stay of Orders flowing from the judgment pending the determination of the appeal.
Because of its commercial ramifications for all parts of the pork industry, as well as the uncertainty for quarantine arrangements more broadly, the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine intends to seek an expedited hearing.
It would not be appropriate to make any further comment on the appeal until the Court makes Orders on the judgment.
Media contact:
David Finlayson (02) 6272 5234 or mobile 0414 266 256