ID :
137055
Wed, 08/11/2010 - 10:59
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/137055
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Australia to fight NZ apple decision
(AAP) - The federal government is being urged to fight hard against a World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling that Australia's rules for New Zealand apple imports are unduly restrictive on trade.
The WTO's panel of independent arbitrators has recommended the dispute settlement
body request Australia bring its "inconsistent measures ... into conformity with its
obligations".
Australia's import requirements are aimed at keeping out devastating diseases
including fireblight, European canker, and the insect apple leaf curling midge.
Agriculture Minister Tony Burke on Tuesday said Australia would appeal the decision
to the WTO's appellate body.
"We are disappointed that the WTO panel found that the import risk analysis
underpinning Australia's requirements for New Zealand apples is not sufficiently
supported by scientific evidence and also that the requirements are unduly
trade-restrictive," he said in a statement.
"There are adequate grounds to appeal the panel's decision."
Education Minister Simon Crean, formerly trade minister, told reporters in Adelaide
there were several paths Australia could take in its appeal.
"Australia clearly has options in terms of reaction to that report and I'm sure that
the minister for trade and the minister for agriculture will be assessing those
options in the days to come," he said.
A Senate estimates committee in May heard an appeal would lead to an October hearing
in Geneva and an outcome at the end of November.
The option of reaching a bilateral solution with New Zealand would be open
throughout the appeal process.
Opposition Agriculture spokesman John Cobb said Australia must fight hard to keep
its reputation as a fireblight-free nation.
"Fireblight would devastate our apple and pear industries and ruin our reputation as
a supplier of clean, green, disease-free food," he said.
"We have the right to protect our food supplies and environment from exotic diseases
and pests and the coalition in government would be sparing no expense appealing the
WTO ruling."
Australia banned imports of New Zealand apples in the 1920s.
It lifted the outright ban four years ago but in early 2007 imposed strict
conditions that made New Zealand exports uneconomic.
The existing measures remain in place pending the outcome of the appeal.
The WTO's panel of independent arbitrators has recommended the dispute settlement
body request Australia bring its "inconsistent measures ... into conformity with its
obligations".
Australia's import requirements are aimed at keeping out devastating diseases
including fireblight, European canker, and the insect apple leaf curling midge.
Agriculture Minister Tony Burke on Tuesday said Australia would appeal the decision
to the WTO's appellate body.
"We are disappointed that the WTO panel found that the import risk analysis
underpinning Australia's requirements for New Zealand apples is not sufficiently
supported by scientific evidence and also that the requirements are unduly
trade-restrictive," he said in a statement.
"There are adequate grounds to appeal the panel's decision."
Education Minister Simon Crean, formerly trade minister, told reporters in Adelaide
there were several paths Australia could take in its appeal.
"Australia clearly has options in terms of reaction to that report and I'm sure that
the minister for trade and the minister for agriculture will be assessing those
options in the days to come," he said.
A Senate estimates committee in May heard an appeal would lead to an October hearing
in Geneva and an outcome at the end of November.
The option of reaching a bilateral solution with New Zealand would be open
throughout the appeal process.
Opposition Agriculture spokesman John Cobb said Australia must fight hard to keep
its reputation as a fireblight-free nation.
"Fireblight would devastate our apple and pear industries and ruin our reputation as
a supplier of clean, green, disease-free food," he said.
"We have the right to protect our food supplies and environment from exotic diseases
and pests and the coalition in government would be sparing no expense appealing the
WTO ruling."
Australia banned imports of New Zealand apples in the 1920s.
It lifted the outright ban four years ago but in early 2007 imposed strict
conditions that made New Zealand exports uneconomic.
The existing measures remain in place pending the outcome of the appeal.
