Greens continue push for live exports ban

The Australian Greens say the Government's new approach to live exports does not go far enough, with an immediate suspension and total live export ban remaining the only viable option.

Speaking in Perth today, Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson for animal welfare said the proposed move to issue live export permits to only a small number of Indonesia abattoirs is simply unsatisfactory.

"The sort of abuse witnessed on Four Corners is widespread in Indonesia and it is clear that the Government cannot guarantee the welfare of animals," Senator Siewert said today.

"The Government should support the Australian Greens legislation which bans the export of animals for slaughter," said Senator Siewert.

"We need to be looking at how to improve and increase processing in Australia to support local producers and jobs. We do not believe the export of any livestock for slaughter is appropriate.

"Serious questions need to be asked about the roles of organisations as Meat and Livestock Australia and LiveCorp.

"MLA has received $5 per head of cattle exported to address animal welfare issues - clearly that has not happened appropriately. We're now facing a crisis in this industry as a result of systematic abuse in Indonesia.

"A great number of people appear to have been seriously let down.
Perhaps if the MLA and Government had done more in this area, we would not be in this situation.

"I will be moving to have this issue examined by the Rural Affairs and Transport to determine how it was allowed to eventuate. A supposedly independent review was published earlier this year which didn't expose this situation, how can that be? Clearly everything is not okay.

"This abuse is clearly widespread and has been occurring over a long period of time. It needs to end," concluded Senator Siewert.