Philip Ruddock (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Aside from those constituents who write to me passionately about the government's performance in bringing the budget back under control and creating new opportunities for young Australians, I get a number who write to me about live cattle exports from Australia. I wanted to take this opportunity to say that live exports are an important and ongoing trade for Australia. The industry employs around 10,000 people and contributes significantly to the country's economy and it supports many rural and regional communities. In the first full year of this government we have the value of live animal exports exceeding $1.4 billion, and it is succeeding to grow.

Australia's leadership in this trade is significant because we have been able to influence in other countries—importing countries, in particular—welfare conditions. The Australian government and industry share a strong commitment to animal welfare. Australia has exported a very significant proportion of cattle consignments—I understand, in 18 countries, 1,139 consignments and only 22 incidents of welfare concern. We do address these issues seriously and my constituents should be reassured that the government is taking a positive role to address this question.