Representatives from across the political, meat processing industry and animal welfare spectrum united today to call for an end to live sheep export at a press conference in major live sheep export town, Fremantle, WA.
Melissa Parke, Federal member for Fremantle said, “Ethical considerations aside, the live sheep export trade is simply bad business. An independent economic report has revealed that a sheep processed locally is worth 20 percent more to the economy than one exported live – it’s high time we put a realistic plan in place to support rural economic growth.”
“If we carefully phase out the live export trade in a way that maintains sheep producer revenue and supports our local processing industry the economy as a whole will ultimately benefit, as will our reputation as a progressive nation.”
Jessica Borg, Campaign Manager for the World Society for the Protection of Animals said, “The Australian Government is currently supporting an industry where around 40,000 sheep die in ships en route to the Middle East every year.”
“We are still knowingly sending our sheep to be slaughtered inhumanely, in countries that don’t come close to meeting Australian and international standards of welfare.
“A new Galaxy opinion poll has revealed that an overwhelming 79% of Australians believe live sheep exports are cruel, while 86% agree that the Government should phase out live sheep exports if there’s an alternative that saves Australian jobs,” she continued.
Roger Fletcher founder of Australia’s largest meat processor and exporter said, “We’re the main employer in country regions, after mining, and we want to be here for the long haul.
“It’s devastating when vulnerable rural communities suffer industry closure and job losses due to avoidable stock shortages, caused in part by the live export industry. I believe it’s in all our best interests to rebuild rural meat processing infrastructure to the point where it can make a sustainable and bigger long-term contribution to a healthy rural economy,” he continued.
WSPA Campaign Manager Jessica Borg said, “Clearly the majority of Australians are opposed to live sheep exports. We’re calling on all Australians to visit www.humanechain.org and help protect Australian animals and promote Australian jobs by phasing out this cruel and unnecessary trade.”
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AMAZING! Its no suprise Aussies are against the trade
Great work by WSPA and it is fantastic to see Labor and Greens politicans supporting this change. To state Live Export should continue because there is a demand for it, is no different to commencing bear bile farming. Live Export is outdated, community views and values have progressed to an ethical point where this practise is seen for what it is, cruel and needless.
If these animals were to be processed in Australia, Industry would grow, jobs would be created and our animals welfare would be ensured. Ban Live Export, we don't want it.
Right on, Emma! These politicians need to listen to the people they represent who are overwhelmingly demaning for an end to the trade, and not the industries only concerned with profiting from the cruel animal exploitation.
The new Agriculture Minister says he will not be supporting any plans to ban live exports out of the country.
Three Labor MPs have voiced their support for a private members motion to ban live exports.
But the Minister for Agriculture Joe Ludwig says he has no plans to change any legislation on cattle exports.
"I've no plans to stop it," he says.
"What we've got is an area which provides jobs to northern Australia.
"It provides great work for those people, it also provides access to those markets in Indonesia.
"In addition to that can I say it is also about ensuring that we do get the animal husbandry issues right."
There is just one thing that you forget. Farmers will take the highest price. If domestic processors offered a premium price NO One would sell to the live export. Live export in some instances is all that will keep the whole rural sector from being bankrupt. Domestic processors will screw the price down until it it unviable for the farmer. Processors want NO competition. Also if the cost of domestic wages wasnt so high maybe our domestically slaughtered product could compete with live export.
Anonymous where's the proof that live exporters pay higher then domestic processors?? I've been following this issue and I went to the meat workers NSW forum and the farmer that MLA brought along said that he's paid exactly the same amount from live exporters and domestic processors. So I'm confused about this! Even if this was the case perhaps this is where the Government could step in? And again even if you are correct and farmers are paid more we have a moral obligation to protect our animals. This cruelty can never be justified!
Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig, who recently reiterated the government's support for live exports, today announced nearly $1.1 million would be invested in animal welfare projects in the Middle East and South-East Asia.
The projects will be funded jointly by the government, livestock exporters and producers.
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