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8. Recommendation/s:

The conclusion of the PBT is that there is justification to continue regulating the sale of non-prepacked meat as the potential benefits to the wider community outweigh the identified costs of restriction. The overall assessment is that the restriction generates a small net benefit to the community.

Two viable alternatives to the current restriction were identified. The first was to remove the restriction on the sale of non-prepacked meat. It was found that moving to a deregulated state would result in an overall small negative impact to the community. The greatest impact would be felt on consumers who would face a small to moderate negative impact of moving to the alternative state.

A second alternative was to modify the restriction by clarifying the definition of meat to remove current uncertainties. These uncertainties surround whether fish and poultry are included in the definition and when processed meat ceases to be meat for the purposes of the restriction. Clarifying the definition of meat would mean that the restriction would more adequately meet the objectives of the legislation by creating more certainty for meat sellers.

It was found that meat sellers, in all jurisdictions except Queensland Victoria and the Northern Territory, would derive a small positive impact from the clarification of the definition of meat. In Queensland, Victoria and the Northern Territory, red meat sellers would derive a small positive impact, while poultry and fish sellers would face a small negative impact. It is unlikely that this would negative impact on employment. Consumers would derive a moderate positive impact, while governments would face a very small negative impact. Overall, there would be a moderate positive impact to the community in moving to this alterative state.

Therefore, the Review Committee recommends that the definition of meat be reviewed to:

1. Determine whether the definition of meat should expressly include fish and poultry; and
2. The definition of meat be clarified as to when specialised meat products cease to be meat for the purposes of the restriction.

In reviewing the definition of meat, the Review Committee further recommends that the Queensland Office of Fair Trading commence review within 18 months and that TMAC be involved in the review and decision-making process.

In clarifying the definitions to increase certainty for meat sellers, care will be need to be taken to ensure that any changes do not unnecessarily inhibit product innovation.

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