Fed: Fed govt blames Tas govt for potential trade reprisals

AAP General News (Australia)
02-19-2000
Fed: Fed govt blames Tas govt for potential trade reprisals

The federal government has blamed the Tasmanian government for Canada's threat to impose
damaging trade reprisals over salmon imports.

The World Trade Organisation stated overnight that a Tasmanian ban on imported salmon
imposed by Tasmaia in defiance of federal quarantine advice was not supported by sound
scientific evidence.

The WTO said the state government's ban had more to do with preventing competition
than concerns about disease.

The Tasmanian government used state powers last year to block imported salmon amid
fears that exotic diseases could affect the island's lucrative Atlantic salmon industry.

Canada has already released a preliminary list of Australian products worth about $50
million on which tariffs may be applied.

Federal Agriculture Minister WARREN TRUSS says the Tasmanians refused to be part of
Australia's case in defending its position before the WTO.

He says he suspects they were not involved because they know their action is indefensible.

AAP RTV dep/wz/rt

KEYWORD: SALMON (CANBERRA)

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