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

I thank Senator Milne for her supplementary question. It is worth reiterating what I said in the primary answer. The New South Wales Food Authority does have the authority to ensure that plants comply with the Australian standard and any importing country requirements. It is responsible for overseeing animal welfare. Incidents of cruelty that are detected are actionable under the New South Wales Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the matter is under investigation.

In terms of the broad issue around CCTV surveillance in abattoirs, I understand that animal welfare groups have been calling for mandatory video monitoring of workers at all abattoirs. I do understand that the New South Wales Greens plan to introduce amendments as well to the New South Wales Food Act to make it mandatory for all slaughterhouses to video the stunning and slaughtering of all animals. But these are clearly matters for the New South Wales government. I will of course be raising it with the minister in New South Wales— (Time expired)