Rick Wilson (O'Connor, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

Since the ALP announced their live export policy—or, rather, Australian Alliance for Animals announced their live export policy—last May, the live export trade in Western Australia, and particularly in my electorate, has been in absolute turmoil. The uncertainty that it has created has already created significant negative economic impacts.

Last week, the minister announced a panel to consult with the industry on closing itself down—effectively, a condemned man being invited to plan his own execution. As a result of that, I've received a copy of a letter written to the Hon. Murray Watt, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, from 25 peak industry groups. I was in agricultural politics for 20 years before I came to this place, and I've been here for another 10 years. I've never seen such a coordinated group come together to protest against this terrible policy. I will quote from their letter:

The policy represents a red line that cannot be crossed. We will never support legitimate agricultural industries being closed for political reasons, or to suit activist agendas.

They go on to say, in relation to the extremely good results the industry is getting:

This reform has been recognised by the Western Australian Premier and his Agricultural Minister. We note that you have also acknowledged the improvements the industry has made.

And yet the minister is still pressing ahead, closing down this legal and effective industry that is so important to Western Australia. (Time expired)

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