On March 28, the Inspector-General of Biosecurity released a review of the import risk analysis process, suggesting that the Department of Agriculture re-evaluate the Scientific Advisory Group’s role and emphasize “the ability to seek independent expert input when necessary.”

The department concurred with the suggestion, stating that it “values the role of the Scientific Advisory Group to independently verify the department’s scientific analysis and agrees to review the role of the Scientific Advisory Group to ensure that it remains fit for purpose.”

The Coalition has gone a step further, pushing for a Senate inquiry.

A blanket biosecurity ban was placed on beef imports from the US more than 20 years ago after a devastating outbreak of mad cow disease.

That ban was partially lifted for cattle raised and slaughtered in the US, but not for cattle raised in Canada and Mexico but slaughtered in the US, in 2019.

Last week, the federal government confirmed the ban was lifted entirely.