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PrimeSafe Response to Statement of Expectations

9 December 2011

Hon Peter Walsh, MP
Minister for Agriculture and Food Security
GPO Box 4440
MELBOURNE VIC 3001

Dear Minister

STATEMENT OF EXPECTATIONS FOR PRIMESAFE

Thank you for the letter dated 12 September 2011, setting out your Statement of Expectations for PrimeSafe.

The Statement has been discussed with the Board and all Directors consider that the Statement provides useful and valuable direction for PrimeSafe into the future. The Statement goes beyond the explicit requirements outlined in the Meat Industry Act 1993 and the Seafood Safety Act 2003 and more accurately reflects both the expectations of Government and the reality of PrimeSafe’s broader remit.

Government policy and objectives

The PrimeSafe regulatory system is food safety risk based, enabling us to focus our regulatory effort where it is most needed. Further, we endorse your approach of applying the minimum level of regulation necessary to achieve the intended outcome. We will therefore continue to deliver a least-cost regulatory system, whilst ensuring food safety for meat, poultry and seafood products.

Extending our remit to cover promoting economic growth is clearly consistent with Government Policy and expectations. To this end, we have supported and will continue to actively support opportunities for export development with our licensees through enhancement of the Tier 1 meat export system. We are also supportive of training and development for all industry participants and work with the Australian Meat Industry Council in facilitating suitable training opportunities.

PrimeSafe fully supports the development of National Standards for food safety and recognises the importance of ensuring that at all times the interests of Victorian businesses and the public are paramount. Compliance with all National Standards applicable in the meat, poultry and seafood sectors are a condition of PrimeSafe licence. The Chief Executive is actively involved in the National Food Regulatory Framework which has responsibility for development of these Standards.

Stakeholder relationships and engagement

PrimeSafe works constructively and productively with the Department of Primary Industries and the Department of Health and understands the importance of maintaining and enhancing these relationships. PrimeSafe actively supports the forum of Primary Industry Regulators in fostering a productive relationship with relevant areas of Government. Our relationship with industry is critical to the way in which we operate. This relationship is promoted and underpinned with the Board Selection Process, providing industry with an active involvement in your selection of the PrimeSafe Board.

The Board was particularly pleased to see your comments regarding the mutual obligation for timely exchange of information. We have always tried to ensure that the responsible Minister is made aware, in advance, of any relevant issue that may arise. The reciprocal arrangement you propose, where you will equally keep us informed, is welcomed and appreciated.

Transparency and accountability

The Statement of Expectations will be incorporated into our ongoing planning processes and performance reporting against the Statement will be included in future annual reports. To enhance our transparent and accountable system of annual reporting, we are currently revising our website to make it readily accessible and more user-friendly.  Following revision of our website, we will include both your Statement and our response in the same way that the information will be available on the Department of Primary Industries website.

The Board of PrimeSafe looks forward to continuing to work with the Government and you as Minister for Agriculture and Food Security as we continue to deliver on your expectations.

Yours sincerely

BILL BRAY
Chairperson