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

No, I have not visited a working Indonesian abattoir. Can I say, though, that the government is determined to reform the live animal export industry, unlike those opposite, who seem stuck in the past. With proper, well-managed reform, the live export trade can transition to a sustainable industry where animal welfare outcomes and trade certainty are assured, because failure to reform the way in which Australia conducts this trade places in jeopardy the significant social and economic benefits that it brings to regional communities, particularly those regional communities of Western Australia and the Northern Territory. It is disappointing to see that those opposite do not want to bring the trade back online as quickly as possible, to ensure animal welfare outcomes are maintained and to make sure that we have facilities that are appropriate and that meet OIE standards.

It is surprising that you then ask whether I have visited an abattoir or not. You seem to miss the point that it is about ensuring that we have animal welfare outcomes to resume this trade. We should not recommence this trade without that standard in place to ensure animal welfare outcomes. If those opposite are urging that we resume the trade without those safeguards in place then it is negligent to do so. You will also not be able to guarantee the animal welfare outcomes.

It is particularly important to ensure that we maintain this industry. Of course, the industry bodies that have led us to this circumstance have failed their own producers, have failed to be able to provide assurances to their industry that they can continue this trade in a responsible way. (Time expired)