What are the prospects of Richard Torbay's controversial NSW beef labelling/grading plan gaining momentum in Queensland, or being taken up nationally?
It's a subject that has been discussed at industry level recently, with some dismissing it outright, while others remain wary.
Mr Torbay himself was quoted this week as saying if his proposal gets up in NSW, it would "inevitably be implemented in all other States".
The Primary Industry Ministerial Council, made up of primary industry ministers from each State and Federal Government, will table a comprehensive review on beef labelling, grading and description in April next year.
If anything, that could leave NSW out on a limb and disadvantaged in comparison with other States going forward over beef description.
For this reason, the Red Meat Advisory Council is appealing to Mr Torbay that he should delay the timing of his proposed Bill until PIMC tables its review.
That, in itself, would provide more opportunity to convince him of the serious flaws his legislation contains.
At a State level, after meetings again on Monday, AgForce Cattle president Grant Maudsley says Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin is well briefed on the issues, and remains steadfastly in support of current industry systems for grading and description.
"If we can get the Queensland position on this well and truly put forward, I think we can nip in the bud any chance of this escalating into a national issue at the PIMC level," Mr Maudsley said.
"Mr Mulherin is all over the MSA scheme and the strong arguments against moving towards a model like that proposed by Torbay in NSW," he said.
"He's going to be quite an ally in the whole debate nationally.
"The Minister clearly understands the utter impracticality of the Torbay Bill, and why AgForce is fighting this legislation which would disadvantage Queens-land industry."
Mr Maudsley said there was a clear consensus that the way forward in the labelling/grading issue was to be industry led, rather than being governed by legislation.
Industry had invested heavily in the development of description and grading tools and systems such as Meat Standards Australia and AusMeat, and these systems could satisfy the needs of consumers.
"The industry is working with Mr Torbay regarding his proposed legislation regarding meat labelling to ensure that any legislation is appropriate and in the interests of the industry and consumers. However, a system that mandates quality grades that are not based on science and consumer research will not achieve this," Mr Maudsley said.
While the MSA grading system was voluntary for retailers and foodservice operators, more than one million cattle would be graded this year through the system, and the program was growing by 15 percent annually.
MSA now underpins a growing number of private brands on domestic and export markets.
Mr Maudsley said the industry was investigating the feasibility of having all domestic processors become AusMeat accredited.
Currently 90pc of domestic beef supplied to retailers is processed in an AusMeat accredited plant, however industry support would be needed to implement the system among for those smaller operators currently operating outside AusMeat protocols.
"There are already strict procedures and systems in place on the labelling of beef from all animals to ensure customers know what they are buying. This includes an agreement signed by the majority of retailers on the use of the term 'budget' when labelling beef from older animals," he said.
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