Joint Media release
Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss
7 March 2004
Vaile, Truss seek Urgent Advice from Pakistan on Wheat Quality Reports
The Australian Government rejects reports in the Pakistan media that retesting of an Australian wheat consignment has indicated the presence of karnal bunt and has sought urgent advice from the Pakistan Government on the matter.
Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile and Australian Agriculture Minister Warren Truss today announced that they have sought urgent advice from Pakistan's Prime Minister, His Excellency Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, in an attempt to clarify the reports quoting unnamed senior government officials. Ministers Vaile and Truss have instructed Australia's High Commissioner in Islamabad to seek an urgent appointment with Pakistan's Prime Minister and other senior Pakistan Government ministers.
"As soon as advice was received on 23 February that Pakistan authorities had raised concerns about the shipment, Australia sent scientists from the Australian Government, the NSW Government and AWB Ltd to assist in the investigations," Mr Vaile said.
"Australia's scientists have participated in the testing and are confident the results do not indicate the presence of karnal bunt. Pakistan scientists are reported in the Pakistan media as having reached a different conclusion. If this is confirmed, then clearly the science is in dispute.
"Australia appreciates the cooperation we have received so far from the Pakistan Government. However, Australia strongly believes that, given any difference of view between the experts from our two countries, the best approach would be to seek independent third-party DNA testing - for example in US or UK government laboratories. Australia strongly urges the Pakistan Government to agree to this course.
Without sophisticated laboratory processes to identify the DNA of the fungus, it is possible to confuse karnal bunt spores with the harmless spores of different fungi.
"Australia has never had karnal bunt," Mr Truss said.
"Samples from the consignment tested at two laboratories in Australia, at a third commercial independent laboratory and by an internationally recognised expert laboratory have found no evidence of karnal bunt.
"These results confirm the outcome of many surveys undertaken by Australia over the years that karnal bunt is not present in this country."
AWB Ltd stands by its claim that the 150,000 tonnes of wheat involved meet the importer's specifications. The Australian Government will continue to closely monitor the situation in Pakistan with a view to any necessary further action on its part.
Media contacts: Matthew Doman (Mr Vaile) 02 6277 7420
Tim Langmead (Mr Truss) 02 6277 7520