Question Without Notice No. 116 asked in the Legislative Council on 24 May 2017 by Hon Ken Baston
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
116. Hon KEN BASTON to the Minister for Agriculture and Food:
I refer to Western Australia's status on the management of bovine Johne's disease. Western Australia is moving to implement the Johne's beef assurance score of eight protocol, referred to as J‑BAS 8, on 1 July.
(1) Can the minister confirm which J‑BAS score will be used by Queensland and the Northern Territory from 1 July?
(2) What restrictions will a J‑BAS 8 have on Western Australian cattle producers wishing to purchase stock from these states?
Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:
I thank the member for the question.
(1) I am advised that BJD is not regulated in Queensland; therefore, no J‑BAS will be required for cattle entering Queensland from other states. The Northern Territory has announced a minimum entry requirement policy of J‑BAS 6 from 1 July 2017.
(2) As explained yesterday, the WA cattle industry was widely consulted throughout 2016 and the majority of producers indicated that they wish to maintain WA's border controls. These border controls are currently being finalised and it has not been determined that all cattle entering WA will need a J‑BAS 8. For example, cattle coming into WA for slaughter or export will not be required to meet J‑BAS 8. The requirements for bringing in breeding cattle from the Northern Territory or Queensland are currently being finalised and will be approved by the cattle industry management committee on behalf of the industry.