Australia is free of the contagious animal virus, but remains on high alert given outbreaks in Indonesia and its spread into Bali, a popular tourist destination for Australians.
“We're acting on the foot and mouth disease, we've acted very strongly,” Mr Albanese told ABC radio on August 16.
“There's no indication that it (biosecurity) has not been successful here in Australia.”
The prime minister's assurance follows a Chinese media outlet reporting that Beijing had banned Australian beef imports over foot and mouth fears. Other publishers branded the report as incorrect.
A representative of Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt played down the report.
“We are aware of rumours,” the representative said.
“The Australian embassy in Beijing has been in contact with China Customs and no formal notification has been issued.”
The representative said government officials were receiving reports that consignments were clearing as normal.
Cattle Council of Australia chief executive John McGoverne said it was also business as usual for the country’s beef producers.
“There has been no notification of change in the trading arrangements between China and Australia for beef and beef products,” Mr McGoverne said.
Mr Albanese again called on China to remove trade sanctions against a range of Australian products.
“There is no justification for any of the economic sanctions that have been put in,” he said.
“They are contrary to both the spirit and the detail that are there in the trade agreements that we have with China, and the sanctions should be withdrawn.”
Mr Albanese did not directly address whether Australia should brace for further Chinese sanctions or tariffs following Canberra’s support for Taiwan and freedom of navigation exercises in the Taiwan Strait as tensions escalate.
“We should have good relations and co-operate with China wherever we can,” he said.
“But we will stand up for Australian interests where we must.”
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