Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I outline that, in terms of the bilateral relations that we have with Indonesia, we are working closely with the Indonesian government on this issue. Both DFAT and DAFF officials have been in close contact with our Indonesian ambassador in Jakarta, and Indonesian counterparts. The Indonesian government shares our concern that some animals are not being slaughtered in accordance with Indonesia's own animal welfare laws. Both governments acknowledge that no one issue can dominate the relationship. The Indonesian trade minister, Dr Pangestu, stressed in her public comments that Australia's action represents a temporary suspension and that Indonesia was keen to improve practices.