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

I thank Senator Sterle for his second supplementary question and his continued interest in that area. A responsible government considers the evidence and advice before it and responds accordingly. On a complex policy matter we are making the tough decisions, but we do so on the basis of fact, advice and consideration. That is what I have done in making the decision to suspend and in establishing safeguards in the Indonesian live cattle trade. This decision will see industry on a stable and sustainable footing into the longer term. This will allow the industry to have the support of the community, the government and its own producers, and this will be fundamental for a sustainable industry over the longer term.

The Liberal-National Party would happily accept the risk when you see the press clippings of cruelty to cattle. They would happily turn a blind eye and not bring reform to the trade or establish safeguards. (Time expired)