Aboriginal farming sector looking to sell meat and dairy to Russia to avoid sanctions …

… we have no beef with Russia

The Russian ban on Australian meat and dairy products, worth an estimated $310m, could be filled by Aboriginal cattle and dairy farmers, Michael Mansell said today.

Former ATSIC Head, Geoff Clark, came up with the idea and has made contact with the Russian Consulate in Australia. The Consulate is interested in holding talks.

Michael Mansell is wholeheartedly behind the idea and will join Geoff Clark in talking to Aboriginal farm managers in Cape York next month.

Mr Mansell said, “The ILC purchased 160 cattle farms for Aboriginal people over the last 20 years. It is believed the farms hold 200,000 cattle. That volume would allow Aboriginal farmers to fill the Russian sale if Russia agrees. The bulk of the exports are meat, livestock and animal products, worth $310m.

It must be remembered, “ Mr Mansell said “that Australia is willing to sell but Russia won’t buy. Our aproach is to explain that we are a sovereign, independent people, who Australia does not represent. Neither Julie Bishop nor Prime Minister Tony Abbott talked to Aboriginal farmers about the potentail backlash of imposing sanctions on Russia. If Australia blindly follows, child like, in the footsteps of US foreign policy, that is their business but Aborigines are not bound by that policy. All we have to do is convince Russia of our independence as a people and show we have the capacity to supply their cattle and agricultural needs, mainly butter, cheese and some milk powder. Infant and baby milk formula are not banned.

We do not expect any interference from the Australian authorities who already have the necessary export licences in place. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop assured Australian agricultural producers the government would do “everything in its power” to minimise the effect of the Russian ban. That means she will be behind this idea. If the Australian government tried to block the sale it would be racial discrimination and illegal under Australian law (RDA).”

Geoff Clark and Michael Mansell will talk to the Carpentaria Land Council and farmers next month.
Michael Mansell