While this news is encouraging and certainly a step in the right direction, we stand firm that this is not enough.
In a press conference this morning, Minister for Agriculture, Senator Joe Ludwig stated that a solution would be reached with the help of industry within six months’ time. Sadly the Minister also noted that he feels the live export industry has a long term future.
In response to the Ministers announcement, Jessica Borg, Campaign Manager at WSPA said: “We’re appalled by the Minister’s continued support for this cruel industry; one which Australians do not want. Whether it is cattle shipped to Indonesia or sheep shipped to the Middle East, the only way to fully protect our animals is to process them here within Australia.”
“There is simply no such thing as a humane live export trade.”
Brian Crawford the Federal Secretary of the Meatworkers’ Union said: “Pastoralists and Graziers chose the live export trade instead of supporting the domestic processing industry and it has decimated many processing facilities in Australia. Progressive Australian Governments of all political persuasions have also thrown their weight behind the live export trade.”
“As a result, there is no significant abattoir in the Northern Territory or in the North of Western Australia. There were many facilities once but they progressively disappeared with the growth of the live export trade.” “Anyone who thinks the two developments aren’t closely linked is denying the obvious.”
Crawford went on to say, “While this was all going on, thousands of Australian meatworkers lost their jobs and their families lost a breadwinner. “
“Everyone was aware of the volatility of the live export market and the animal welfare problems. Further, Indonesia recently announced it wanted to be self sufficient by 2014.”
“It’s time for the Government and the Industry Peak Councils to come to grips with the fact that they must support and encourage a strong domestic meat processing sector, cattle and sheep. It value adds by as much as 20% over the live trade. It’s a far more stable, viable long term market for primary producers. It’s an industry with world’s best practices in humane treatment and slaughtering. But most importantly, they’ll be supporting Australian jobs and Australian families.”
Brian Crawford image, courtesy of ABC News 24, August 2010
It’s clear that ending live exports will protect Australian animals and promote Australian jobs.
Thanks to all who have already taken action. In the past week, we have had over 15,000 people send letters to Senator Ludwig and their local MPs, and to date almost 100,000 Australians are now joined together by WSPA’s Humane Chain united against live animal exports.
WSPA and thousands of our supporters from around the world are calling on the Australian Government to take meaningful action by announcing an end date for live animal exports to all countries. You can too by:
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