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

Thank you, Mr President, and I thank Senator Siewert for her interest in this industry, unlike those opposite. I understand that the suspension of trade will have an impact on Australian producers and those involved in the live export trade. We know this will be particularly acute in the areas of the Northern Territory and Western Australia. The gov­ern­ment and the department are committed to working with industry every step of the way to achieve the best outcome for all involved. Any short-term impacts will be for the longer term sustainability of the industry.

In terms of the short-term impact in that area, I have DAFF officials looking at the current onshore areas as well, but in terms of support broadly for industry can I say that I have written to Meat and Livestock Australia asking the association to consider making an initial contribution of $5 million to an industry contingency fund. I have received a reply from the MLA stating that the board would not provide those funds. This is a disappointing response from an industry body representing the major producers in this area who have failed to take responsibility for their actions and, of course, not accept the substantial role that they have played in the current issues as well. I have now acted to exercise my powers to direct the MLA to use some of its substantial reserves to manage the immediate domestic impact of the suspension of trade. The government believes that the industry body should support its industry itself, particularly given the funding base which includes both industry and government contributions. To that end, I have acted to deal with that issue and ensure— (Time expired)