Media release: Minister’s head in sand on live exports

The WA Agriculture Minister Terry Redman has a head-in-the-sand approach when it comes to live exports. His office should be fostering alternatives for farmers, rather than courting business from Indonesian livestock importers says Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC, the Greens spokesperson for animal welfare.

“Back in August when the trade was halted I argued in Parliament that the market is not secure - the Indonesian government has a plan to be self-sufficient in beef by 2014.”

“The Indonesians are in the process of building up their breeding stock while we are selling off cattle for slaughter to them.”

“But any gains to our northern producers are short term, putting farmers who invest to capture the live export market in a vulnerable position.”

“The Indonesian Government’s announcement that it will limit live cattle imports from Australia next year demonstrates the volatility of the live export trade but will mean little reprieve for Australian cattle.”

“Whilst exports to Indonesia might be reduced, Australia’s live export industry is already increasing the number of animals sent to other markets such as Egypt and Turkey. Here, as in Indonesia, animals are allowed to be slaughtered whilst fully conscious.”

“The huge public backlash that resulted following the screening of the Four Corners documentary earlier this year, which exposed barbaric practices in Indonesian abattoirs, should have sparked a permanent ban on live exports. Instead our Federal Government is continuing to allow the expansion of the trade.”

"The major parties are out of step with public opinion on live exports. Most Australians realise that there is no way to implement safeguards that can guarantee the humane transport and slaughter of animals in overseas markets.

“Other countries such as New Zealand have protected local jobs and their international reputation by banning live exports. Australia should follow suit.”