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

I thank Senator Rhiannon for her second supplementary question. I reiterate: if there are breaches of ESCAS or anyone comes across breaches of ESCAS then both the regulator and any third party can bring them to the attention of the independent regulator. I then reject the premise in her question. If MLA has information in respect of any breach then I would expect them to provide that to the independent regulator. I have full confidence that that would be the course of action they would take if they saw any breaches. Like Animals Australia, the RSPCA or the companies themselves that are involved in the live animal export industry, they bring to the attention of the regulator where there has been a breach. They voluntarily provide that. Why? Because they support animal welfare outcomes. They support the ESCAS being put in place. They want to ensure that this trade continues to have a bright future. Unlike the Greens, who would see this industry decimated— (Time expired)