Mr ANDREW: I have swapped seats again.
CHAIR: He is going to come up in this one soon!
Mr DICK: No chance of that.
Mr ANDREW: I do have a photo of Bob Jr and Robbie here.
Mr DICK: Together?
Mr ANDREW: Yes, on 1 May, for your benefit. With reference to page 30 of the SDS regarding
TIQ’s key objectives of boosting exports, can TIQ provide an overview of the current state of
Queensland’s beef industry and provide details of the support that TIQ has provided the industry over the past year in order to help them overcome supply chain issues and other barriers to boosting
exports? What specific strategies does TIQ have for 2024-25 to promote Queensland’s beef products
internationally?
Mr DICK: I thank the member for Mirani. I might make some introductory comments. Obviously,
the beef industry remains a critically important industry for our state. It generates great wealth not just
from an export perspective but also through the domestic economy here in Queensland. It is very
significant.
Mr ANDREW: It is huge to my electorate.
Mr DICK: Quite right; I take that interjection. It is a very significant industry in the electorate of
Mirani. We have seen strong growth in beef exports over a number of years. Notwithstanding the
vagaries of Queensland’s climate, including natural disasters, we have seen that industry continue to
strengthen over the years. I will see if there are any additional matters that the CEO might like to add,
with the indulgence of the committee. Would that be okay?
CHAIR: Yes. Mr McGowan?
Mr McGowan: Thank you, Deputy Premier. This year, 2023-24, placed considerable focus on
beef exports, as the Deputy Premier said, with the delivery of the Taste of Queensland beef buyers
mission last August where we partnered with Meat & Livestock Australia. It is a program where we have
attracted inbound chefs to get an understanding of who we are, our people and our culture and meet
our producers and then take that to the world. That beef export program has collectively generated
$66.5 million in export outcomes and $80 million in future deals.
Obviously, this year the big event for Trade and Investment Queensland was Beef Week. We
brought in buyers from around the world. We brought in 26 buyers and gave them an understanding
and opportunity to meet with the producers, get out to the feedlots and go to Central Queensland
University in Rockhampton to understand the genetics and the science behind our beef industry.