Senator Susan McDonald, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Australian Red Meat, Celebrity Chef Sam Burke (MLA), The Hon. Julie Collins MP, Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry, The Hon. Michelle Landry MP, and event host The Hon. Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives with the Parliament House culinary team.

AUSTRALIA’S red meat industry has hit the spotlight with Federal politicians at the special Parliamentary Friends of Australian Red Meat at Parliament House.

The event was led by the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC) and hosted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Milton Dick MP, together with Parliamentary Friends of Australian Red Meat co-chairs, Senators Susan McDonald and Raff Ciccone.

Wednesday evening saw Parliamentarians from across the country join with industry representatives in the Speakers’ Courtyard to acknowledge and celebrate the immense contribution of the Australian red meat value chain to driving the economy, improving sustainability, and delivering nutritious food to people around the world.

RMAC independent chair John McKillop said the event had representation from across the red meat value chain covering grassfed cattle, grainfed cattle, sheep and lamb meat production, goat production, live exports, and processors.

“In the last 12 months, our industry had made an immense contribution to economic development in this country, providing food for millions of people around the world and employment for 419,000 Australians, supporting many regional communities,” Mr McKillop said.

“We have just seen a record-breaking 2024 for the industry and are projecting another big year in 2025, with MLA’s Cattle and Sheep Industry projections anticipating Australia will export about 1pc more beef compared to 2024 and 13pc more mutton, but lamb back about 6pc.”

In 2024, Australia broke export records for beef, lamb, mutton, goat and offal – the first time that all category records have been broken in a single year.

“In total, 2024 saw red meat exports 21 percent higher than 2023, at 2.2m tonnes,” Mr McKillop said. “This included beef exports being 23pc higher than the previous year, lamb being 10 percent higher than 2023, mutton 26pc higher, and goat being 52pc higher.

“These export numbers have been driven by a national herd and flock rebuild, a long-term increase in carcase weights, good seasonal conditions in some areas, and high slaughter numbers.”

Mr McKillop said there were strong global indicators for red meat, including lower US beef and New Zealand lamb production, which should support strong Australian exports and help Australia to consolidate market share and consumer preference.

“Australian red meat is well-placed to continue meeting global market needs with industry’s long-standing customer-centricity, uniquely wide mix of products and cuts, sustainability goals, competitive prices and good supply,” Mr McKillop said.

“Our industry also plays a vital role in food security in less-developed parts of the world such as through the live export trade. This trade also underpins the relationship with many of our trading partners.

“At home, the contribution our industry makes to the Australian economy is significant but it also plays a foundational role in feeding our nation and supporting rural and regional communities.

“The future of our industry is bright, and we hope to see our exports continue to grow in established markets – and expand into new ones as consumers realise more than ever that we produce the best beef, lamb and goat meat in the world.”

Source: RMAC