Tasmanian Quality Meats was a whirr of activity as Tony Abbott toured the facility yesterday.

But not all the noise came from the political minders and substantial media pack.

From the centre of the site could be seen three distinct areas: pens filled with oblivious sheep, a white shed in which they are killed, and a cold room where the meat is butchered and packed.

The Prime Minister was keen to lend a hand and stacked some boxes of veal.

Journalists dutifully waited by the sheep pens.

Mr Abbott then addressed the media, with the grunts, shouts and thuds still audible from the killing floor.

He was joined by his chief of staff, Peta Credlin, who had been keeping a lower profile after public criticism during the leadership drama of earlier this year.

Perhaps Mr Abbott eating a raw onion in North-West Tasmania earlier this month had prompted her to be on hand just in case he should feel peckish while in the cool room.

She was seen mouthing a few key words from behind the cameras as he faced the media, although perhaps it was just a reminder that he had lunch in the car.

The first question was whether he supported some of his backbenchers in calling for an inquiry into halal certification, a status that TQM proudly boasts on its website.

Mr Abbott didn't bite.