“The delayed Animal Welfare code that he had personally promised to be finalised by now has left a vacuum that protects no-one in this ongoing debacle,” Mr O’Connor said.

“Leadership is required to assure consumers and protect pork producers who are facing unfair criticism on animal welfare issues.

“It’s all very well the Minister having a snipe at the Pork Industry Board, but what has he done to resolve this by getting the facts and the code out for public scrutiny.

“It is clear his reluctance to intervene is tied to his belief that doing nothing reduces the chance of being criticised for any outcomes of the code process.

“The Minister refused to take the opportunity to answer my question in Parliament today as to why he has not intervened to date,” Mr O’Connor said.