Live Animal Export
Luke has previously spoken in Parliament on the live cattle export industry and asked that I send a copy of his speech, which I have now attached. Luke wanted you to know that he has seen the conditions of Live Cattle Export first hand and that he intends to visit the new sheep export ship. He will report back his findings.
Australia requires a level of animal welfare much higher than other countries do through the live export supply chain which helps the industry overall to keep standards high.
The sustainable live export trade is an important contributor to jobs in rural communities across Australia. It gives prosperity of cattle, sheep and goat producers and their familiesâ vital extra options for sale.
Out of more than 100 live exporting countries, Australia is the only one that requires World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) welfare standards to be met as a minimum for exported livestock.
For these reasons, Luke does support live export. However, he does not support those that break these rules and pushed the Agriculture Minister to cancel the licence of Emanuel Exports Pty Ltd. that recently did treat animals badly and which the government has done.
The department has made this decision in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 and after a thorough and detailed investigation.
It is the responsibility of each exporter to ensure it meets the clear requirements under the legislation, set out in section 23 of the Act. This includes providing complete, accurate information to the regulator as to how regulatory standards and licence conditions will be met and have been met.
Luke loves animals and has always kept pets including reptiles, dogs, fish and guinea pigs. Luke has a particular interest in Australian freshwater fish.
Thank you again for contacting me, Luke.
