A message from the Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland - The Honourable Tim Mulherin:

Plans for a more successful and secure kangaroo industry will be top of the agenda at the first Kangaroo Industry Development Committee meeting being held in Brisbane on Tuesday 28 July 2009.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin set up the committee, which brings together processors, industry representatives, researchers, government, educators and regulatory bodies.

This includes the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS),Safe Food Production Queensland and state government agencies.

Mr Mulherin said the Committee's aim was to support the industry to adapt to changed circumstances brought about by Russia's decision to temporarily suspend Australia's kangaroo meat exports from 1 August.

"Russia currently makes up about two thirds of the market so this is a significant blow to the kangaroo industry and the communities it supports," the Minister said.

"My department is working hard with other agencies in a coordinated response to ensure firstly that action is taken to speed up the lifting of the ban, and secondly to minimise the impacts on the industry and regional communities.

"Queensland has the largest and most up to date processing facilities.

We need to protect this valuable industry by ensuring that the measures we put in place are sustainable and long lasting.

"With about 500 full time jobs and 2000 part time jobs affected by Russia's decision, urgent action is critical.

"Job support programs for workers affected by the closure of export kangaroo processing plants in Queensland will be made available," he said.

Mr Mulherin said the meeting would not just focus on enabling re-entry into the Russian market as soon as possible.

"It will look at all issues impacting on the industry, new markets, skills and training, value adding and new technology.

"We're putting together a Kangaroo Industry Development Plan to take the industry forward as we think it has a great future," Mr Mulherin said.

Chairing the meeting will be QPIF assistant director-general, Industry Development and Trade, Sue Ryan.

The meeting follows a gathering in Canberra on 16 July 2009 where AQIS, the Kangaroo Industry Association of Australia, processors and State Regulatory Authorities discussed export market access issues.

27 July 2009