Community
17 April, 2025
Beef on the agenda as Dyson visits Mortlake
INDEPENDENT candidate for Wannon Alex Dyson visited Mortlake recently, vowing to support farmers following the announcement the United States would impose tariffs on Australian beef.
United States of America President Donald Trump has announced Australia would be among the nations he would impose tariffs against, with a 10 per cent tariff on Australia beef due to his belief Australian biosecurity measures impacted the flow of trade.
Mr Dyson visited the Western Victoria Livestock Exchange in Mortlake earlier this month to speak with cattle farmers, listen to their concerns, and discuss opportunities for growing beef exports into other global markets.
“Farmers have told me these tariffs create uncertainty, but that the biosecurity restrictions on US beef imports into Australia are critical,” he said.
“Australia cannot cave to US demands to weaken biosecurity measures that protect the local cattle industry.
“Our region’s cattle farmers are tough and resilient – they produce a truly world-class product – and I will always support the local industry.
“Even with tariffs imposed, US demand for world-class Australian beef will remain high.”
Mr Dyson said increasing hostility from the United States opened the door to looking elsewhere to heighten trade relations.
“We also have an opportunity to expand our exports to other markets,” he said.
“As a result of the US imposing tariffs across the board, there will be retaliatory tariffs on US beef, so we have a real opportunity to fill that gap in Europe and Asia, and even in Canada.
“Having an Independent MP would be a big advantage for farmers in Wannon.
“I answer to locals, not a party, and can work with whoever forms government to get a better deal for our community.
“If this election delivers a minority government, which polling suggests is the most likely outcome, a Wannon Independent would have huge bargaining power, and could fight for the interests of Wannon cattle farmers in new export agreements.”
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