Joint media release by Minister for Trade, Mark Vaile and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss

MVWTJ041 - 3 March 2004

Australian Wheat to be re-tested in Pakistan

The Australian Government has welcomed the Pakistani Government's decision to resample and retest Australian wheat previously rejected against claims that the wheat had not met quality specifications and was contaminated with the Karnal bunt fungus.

Karnal bunt is not known to occur in Australia. The wheat was tested before shipment and found to be disease-free and above the specified quality standards. AWB Ltd stands by its claims that the cargoes meet specifications.

Officials from AWB Ltd and the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry are now in Pakistan working with the Australian High Commission, the importer of the wheat and Pakistani authorities, to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.

The Australian Government views this matter very seriously. It goes to Australia's reputation throughout the world as a reliable supplier of high-quality wheat. Our High Commissioner in Pakistan, Mr Howard Brown, has made a series of high-level representations to senior Pakistan government figures underlining our concern at the rejection of the cargoes and the need to resolve the matter quickly, correctly and completely. The Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also called in Pakistan's High Commissioner for consultations on the issue.

The Australian Government anticipates the continuing cooperation between the two governments in clearly establishing the facts in this case as soon as possible.

Media contacts: Matthew Doman (Mr Vaile) 02 6277 7420 - Tim Langmead (Mr Truss) 02 6277 7520