AUSTRALIAN RED MEAT & LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY ONGOING COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE

On 17 March, Red Meat 2030 partners conducted a virtual roundtable to discuss the implications of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to our industry.

Our priorities are to:

• protect the health and safety of our staff and customers
• to ensure a consistent supply of high quality and nutritious red meat for Australian and global customers.

Achieving these goals will require the coordination of business, government and customers alike through this rapidly changing time. Our key industry priorities are listed below.

COVID-19 Toolkit 

We have also assembled a detailed list of key COVID-19 resources (current as of 23 March, 5.30pm) by subject matter and state depending on where you sit in the supply chain and will update this daily.

Thanks to everyone for their continued support of our Aussie red meat and livestock businesses in these difficult times and stay well.

Red Meat 2030 partners are working on an Australian Red Meat and Livestock Industry Ongoing Pandemic Response to assist business continuity and minimize risk to staff or customers

To limit ongoing community transmission of COVID-19, all Red Meat 2030 partners have implemented cohesive staff policies consistent with current public health advice and social distancing

Availability of testing must increase significantly to expedite treatment and containment as well as eliminate unnecessary isolation and allow employees to return to the workforce

Red Meat 2030 partners will hold an industry roundtable on a weekly or as needed basis as more information on the COVID-19 public health response becomes available

Government

The Council of Australian Governments should take immediate measures to protect our businesses, including waiving fees and charges, deferring non-essential regulatory reviews, and implementing an immediate payroll tax holiday as part of a broader stimulus

The red meat and livestock industry are considering further economic and other initiatives that will specifically support our businesses

Customers  

At this stage we will continue to meet the high demand for high quality and nutritious red meat in Australian and global markets

This will require coordination and support from all levels of government and customers

The health and safety of our employees and Australian and international customers is important and we ask all to practise the recommended social distancing and courteous behaviour at shopfronts to play your part in limiting transmission of COVID-19

For further information 

COVID-19 is a complex public health situation and is moving quickly. The following key contacts will assist by connecting you with the most appropriate person to speak with.

Operational Liaison: Anna Neelagama, 0448 692 245, anna@rmac.com.au
Media Liaison: Stephen Woodhill, 0413 318 455