N.Z. lamb under attack

Press, 4 July 1983, Page 2

N.Z. lamb under attack

NZPA Melbourne Producers, dismayed by extreme fluctuations in Lamb prices during the last three months, believed the cause was imported New Zealand lamb, said the Victorian Opposition Agriculture spokesman, Mr Tom Austin, yesterday. He said that the Agriculture Minister, Mr Eric Kent, had been asked to inquire into the prices paid by importers of New Zealand lamb landed in Sydney or Melbourne. Mr Austin said that the average price of lamb at Newmarket saleyards peaked at 205 c a kilogram (dressed weight) on March 31, but this dropped to 145 c in mid-April, rose to 180 c on May 5, and had fallen since then to a June 23 price of 115 c. Producers were concerned that the pattern of falling prices coincided with a relative shortage of lamb on the Victorian market. “It is important for producers to know to what extent New Zealand lamb and sheep meats are being imported, and at what prices. “We know that New Zealand producers receive production subsidies, and are offered export incentives,” said Mr Austin. He said he believed that the Closer Economic Relations agreement between Australia and New Zealand ensured that trade would not disadvantage industries in either country, particularly where there was an unfair advantage brought about by Government support.