Agriculture Minister Ernie Bridge says he will meet with industry groups and individuals over the next six weeks before making a final decision on the Western Australian Meat Marketing Corporation (WAMMC) and WA Meat Commission (WAMC).
Mr Bridge said recommendations to scrap the WAMMC and WAMC had left the industry divided, and it was essential all parties had an opportunity to put their views to him.
While his preference was to form a small working group to assist him in a thorough assessment of the meat industry, Mr Bridge said he was concerned the constant sniping by a small yet vocal sector of the industry had already undermined any conclusions such a group might make.
"I have consequently decided to personally take charge of the forthcoming industry meetings and collation of information relevant to the future direction of the industry," he said.
"I will be drawing on the expertise of various individuals to assist in this task, but will not formally establish them as a working group."
Mr Bridge said the industry was being given a real opportunity to participate in deliberations before a final decision was made, and he hoped they would make use of the opportunity.
"Quite frankly, it would be easier to simply rule on the recommendations now before me, but I have indicated all along that we should look at the bigger picture to ensure all issues and concerns are examined," he said.
Mr Bridge said he would announce his decision on the recommendations before the end of the year.
