Labour Backs Live Animal Export Reforms

AUSTRALIA - The Australian Labour Party Conference endorsed a resolution moved by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig that supported a sustainable live animal trade and a strong domestic meat industry.

5 December 2011

2 minute read

Oceania

“Debates about live animal exports have always been about jobs,” Minister Ludwig said.

“The Labour Party has formally recognised that the live animal export industry must stand side-by-side with a strong domestic meat industry.

“As Minister I will continue to vigorously support both the live animal export industry and the domestic processing sector.

The Australian Labour Party conference rejected calls to ban the trade and recognised that for the live animal export industry to be sustainable continual improvement needed to be made.

The Labour Party acknowledged that stunning will be encouraged through regional OIE forums that regulate the international standard, pursing strong bilateral agreements and using codes of conduct to raise standards further.

“Labour has placed animal welfare at the heart of the live animal trade because it is the right thing to do and because it means this industry will be more sustainable into the future and will be able to continue supporting employment.

“Labour has and always will support jobs. This vote is good for farmers and all they employ, including graziers, producers, truck drivers, musterers, stock handlers, wharvies and exporters. I welcome the support of the conference for my resolution.”

WAFarmers President, Mike Norton, said: “Animal welfare is a primary concern for Australian producers. The new supply chain regulations provide an enhanced structure for improved animal welfare standards across all of Australia’s live export markets.”

“The ALP has recognised the financial pain which the live export suspension caused to the industry earlier in the year, and can now see the benefits that the live export industry delivers for Australia,” Mr Norton said.

“People have now had the time to review the issue and look at the situation rationally. The live export industry delivers many benefits to northern and southern Australia including the provisions of jobs, particularly for indigenous Australians.”