New export permit not good enough
Fri 21 October 2011
Sarah MacDonald, Bachelor of Journalism
Activists believe the new export permit brought in by the Australian Federal Government will not guarantee the humane treatment of cattle in Indonesian abattoirs.
The live export ban was introduced after an explosive inside look into Indonesia’s abattoirs was revealed on ABC’s 4 Corners.
The ban only lasted two months, and caused chaos at cattle farms all around Australia.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry minister Joe Ludwig lifted the ban on live export after only two months of it being in place.
Senator Ludwig said the ban was never a permanent fixture, and was only a temporary suspension of trade.
“It was made clear that trade could resume when exporters could demonstrate they could safeguard animal welfare standards,” Senator Ludwig said.
Senator Ludwig said the new permit introduced would force exporters to guarantee humane treatment of cattle exported to Indonesia.
“Four principles now underpin the live animal export trade to Indonesia,” Senator Ludwig said.
“These focus on adherence to international agreed animal welfare standards, traceability through the system, reporting and accountability and independent auditing.
“We worked closely with industry and our Indonesian counterparts to achieve this.
“What we now have in place are strict conditions which must be met by every exporter, and an independent auditing process to ensure all exporters comply.
“We now have in place a trade that can deliver better welfare outcomes.”
Part of the new permit required exporters to be able to track and trace all cattle from Australia to the abattoirs.
They were also required to have their systems independently audited to show they met animal welfare standards at every stage.
Senator Ludwig said he was confident that a number of exporters in Australia were ready to meet these standards, and added exporters had already proven they could meet the new requirements.
Senator Ludwig said the Australian community could be reassured that cattle would be treated humanely.
“The results of the audit will be publicly available,” Senator Ludwig said.
“These new safeguards will ensure internationally accepted animal welfare standards are adhered to.”
Australian exporters will not be able to trade if they do not pass the requirements to the new permit.
“Export permits will only be issued to exporters who have complied with the new system that ensures individual cattle are tracked and slaughtered under international standards,” Senator Ludwig said.
“The Australian community made it clear it would not support a trade in which these things occurred.
“No-one would want the mistreatment of animals that they saw on that ABC show.
“Anyone who is found to be in breach of these requirements will face consequences.”
The live animal export trade is valued at $A320 million a year, stimulating the Australian economy.
The new permit will keep the industry financially viable for the future.
“These reforms will provide the industry with a sustainable long-term future,” Senator Ludwig said.
“By ensuring a long term future for the trade, we’re ensuring a long-term future for the industry, individuals, families and communities that rely on it.
“The government has changed the way the live cattle trade to Indonesia operates and will continue to work with industry representatives to strengthen its future.”
While the government believed that the new permit will work, animal welfare groups criticised the idea.
Animals Australia spokeswoman Sim Huber said that even though changes could be seen, cattle would still be treated inhumanely.
“The cruel Mark 1 slaughter box will not be permitted to be used,” Ms Huber said.
“Yes, certainly there have been significant changes, but the live export of our animals to other countries is cruel and unnecessary and must be replaced with a meat only trade to such countries,” Ms Huber said.
When asked about the new permit brought in by Senator Ludwig, Ms Huber warned that it was a big gamble.
“There will be an improvement, but there is an inherent risk because the treatment of these animals in another country cannot be fully controlled,” Ms Huber said.
“Indonesia has no animal welfare or cruelty laws.
“It is totally unacceptable that the Australian government has not required out cattle to be stunned prior to slaughter in Indonesia.
“This is a standard requirement in Australia.”
Even though the permit is enforced in Australia to exporters, there is no iron-clad guarantee they will be compulsory in abattoirs in Indonesia.
“Our animals may be treated cruelly as we cannot fully control what happens in Indonesia,” Ms Huber said.
“The Australian public totally oppose cruel slaughter.
“Indeed the cattle industry will lose the support of the Australian community and lose markets for agricultural products if they operate in an inhumane manner.”
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Submitted Comments
excellent artice Sarah
Sharon WRight
Really well written introduction with consistently excellent writing the whole way through. A pleasure to read. The picture is also cute.
Lauren