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Australia: Abattoirs face increase charges on processors 27 Mar 2009

Abattoirs in regional areas will suffer under a plan to hike charges on processors that export meat.
Increasing the costs
According to reports, planned changes by the federal government mean exporters will have to pay the whole cost of inspections by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).
 
Food exporters at the moment are charged 60% the cost of inspections, with the commonwealth paying the rest.
 
Senator speaks out
Senator John Williams has used the experience of Bindaree Beef to place emphasis on concerns about the future of export abattoirs."Bindaree Beef sells 65% of its beef on the domestic market, but still has to pay AQIS charges on those beasts plus the remaining 35% that are exported," he said in a statement.
 
Reports have stated that the costs will mean extra cost of at least $348,000 on the company when it is already faced with industry levies and a drop in overseas demand for beef.
 
Bindaree Beef has 600 workers, and those jobs could be put at risk because of the changes, Senator Williams said.
 
"This government is prepared to guarantee the banks, prop up the car industry and set up the so-called Ruddbank to shore up developments, but its contempt of rural industries is astounding," Senator Williams he further commented.
 
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