QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McCARTHY (Northern Territory—Minister for Indigenous Australians) (14:44): As I have said in this answer and previously, we are not compromising on any biosecurity. Opposition senators interjecting— Senator McCARTHY: No, we're not. It comes in line with an assumption that's absolutely incorrect—that we are not doing our jobs.

We are. Australia is a trading nation, with one in four jobs relying on trade, and our cattle industry has significantly benefited from this. Senator Colbeck: That's not the question.

Senator McCARTHY: I am referring to the question around beef. Aussie beef has had back-to-back record-breaking exports. The PRESIDENT: Minister McCarthy, please resume your seat.

Senator Canavan? Senator Canavan: On relevance: the question was clearly aimed at testing requirements for the importation of beef. Speaking about trade does not go to relevance to that question.

The PRESIDENT: Thank you, Senator Canavan. As I'm sure you will recall, the question also had a preamble, so the minister is being relevant. Minister McCarthy, please continue.

Senator McCARTHY: They just don't want to hear about beef. Last year, it was worth $14 billion, supported by reinstated and improved market access. Exports have increased by 55 per cent since we came to government.