Australia investigates ‘anti-competitive’ beef claims

By Michelle Perrett

- Last updated on GMT

No 'collusion' in cattle market
No 'collusion' in cattle market

Related tags Meat Livestock

The Australian Government has launched an investigation into the red meat processing industry over the claims of anti-competitive behaviour. 

The Australian Meat Industry Council was questioned by the Rural Affairs Senate Committee on Tuesday (17 November) over claims there is a lack of information concerning pricing and the weighing of cattle.
 
The inquiry was launched after processors boycotted sale yards in Victoria and disputed whether cattle should be weighed pre - or post - sale.

Chairman of the Meat Industry Council David Larkin was questioned during the hearing in Canberra.

Chairman grilled

Speaking during an interview broadcast online for Australian news service ABC Rural, he said the organisation believed the returns were better for producers if cattle were weighed post-sale. He also said the organisation did not believe there was “collusion in the marketplace​”.

Larkin responded to concerns about pricing and said information was already transparent.

Prices on offer are public knowledge,​” he said.

Recommendations from the committee are reported to be due in mid-March 2016.

Related topics Meat

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