The Halal Consultative Committee (HCC) is the principal forum for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) to consult with Approved Islamic Organisations (AIOs) and the export red meat industry on halal certification matters under the Australian Government Authorised Halal Program (AGAHP). The committee discusses policy and technical issues that affect halal certification, processing and trade, including importing country expectations and the integrity of official halal marks and certification. Decisions are made by consensus.
HCC’s role complements broader industry consultation conducted through ICCs (such as EMIAC), following the department’s consultative committee framework.
Membership
Chair: Assistant Secretary, Meat Export Branch, Exports & Veterinary Services Division. If unavailable, the next most senior departmental officer will chair.
HCC membership comprises nominated stakeholders from the department, AIOs, and the export red meat industry. The composition is:
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Chair, Secretariat and support staff)
- Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC)
- AUS MEAT Limited
- Teys Australia
- JBS Australia Pty Ltd
- Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)
- Approved Islamic Organisations – two members from each AIO listed on the department’s List of recognised Islamic bodies for halal certification of red meat (ELMER 3).
Additional observers from the above organisations may attend with the Chair’s permission. External observers may attend with prior approval of the Chair following consultation with members. The Committee may also co opt subject matter experts (including departmental officers) where needed.
Meetings
A minimum of three regular meetings per calendar year (with a possible fourth by agreement).
Contact
For more information on the Halal Consultative Committee, please contact meb.secretariat@aff.gov.au.