Greens welcome historic decision on live animal exports

Submitted by Kirsty Lawson on Thu, 27/05/2010 - 12:07

live animal exportsLynn MacLaren, MLC for the South Metropolitan Region, was delighted to be present when Fremantle City Councillors voted to support a phase-out of live animal exports.

“This is an important step to end the Australian trade in live exports – 80% of which is conducted from Fremantle”, said Lynn MacLaren.

“The Councillors’ unanimous position against the trade is a strong indication of the view of the Australian public.

“The sooner we all work together on transition strategies, the better", added Ms MacLaren.

City of Fremantle Mayor, Brad Pettit, was keen to emphasise that the City of Fremantle wants the trade stopped, not moved to a neighbouring port, such as Kwinana.

"This motion is not designed to move the trade south from Fremantle to Kwinana. We want it stopped all together and replaced with the less cruel and better economic outcome of frozen meat", said Mr Pettit.

Stop Live Exports have made a significant achievement in getting all three levels of elected representation in Fremantle on side. In addition to the local council, The Greens State Parliamentarians, including Lynn MacLaren in Fremantle, are committed to see the trade stopped, as are Federal ALP Member for Fremantle Melissa Parke and Federal Greens Senator Scott Ludlam. The ALP Federal Government continues to support the trade, as do the Nationals and Liberal parties at State and Federal levels.