Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Back for his question. Can I say that Australia has a strong relationship with Indonesia, and our governments continue to work together. In July, I travelled to Darwin to take part in a meeting with the Indonesian government, as part of a wider Australian government delegation to discuss the broader bilateral relationship. I also joined the members of the Indonesian government delegation, led by President Yudhoyono, at a lunch hosted by the Australia Indonesia Business Council. While in Darwin I also met with the agricultural industry to discuss trade with Indonesia and domestic opportunities across a number of agricultural commodities, including the live cattle trade. Market access issues were raised and were high on the agenda, as was the call from the Indonesians for domestic investment from the Australian industry. The Australian government encourages mutually beneficial investment in the Indonesian agricultural sector, and that strengthens the bilateral arrangement.

Turning to the specific issues raised about cattle consignments, DAFF is aware that at least one consignment of Australian breeder cattle has not been released to the Indonesian importers by Indonesian authorities, and the department understands that the Indonesian authorities are seeking clarification of the pedigree of these animals. The Australian government has not been notified of any changes to Indonesia's requirements for information about the pedigree of imported breeder cattle. The Australian government does not certify the pedigree of breeder cattle for the Indonesian market. These are directly commercial matters. The government is consulting with the Australian livestock exporters on the issue and will make appropriate representations to the Indonesian government if necessary. In terms of the live cattle import tariffs, I am aware of industry concerns. (Time expired)