Doug Cameron (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

I would also like to make a few comments on the report to the parliament on livestock mortalities. Obviously everyone would be happy about reduced mortalities for livestock being taken from Australia to another country. But I should also place on the record the fantastic work done by Senator Joe Ludwig when he put in place controls and checks and balances not just when taking cattle from Australia to export overseas but into the supply chain.

I think what is forgotten by the other side is that the social licence of the industry was almost removed by the public because the public were so horrified at the mistreatment of livestock not only on board these ships but also downstream when they arrived at abattoirs overseas. This is an issue that continues to require ongoing scrutiny. It is an issue that is so important to our very important agricultural exports.

In the past, Senator Back has taken to Senator Ludwig for what he has done, so for Senator Back to ignore the work that was done under Labor to try to maintain a social licence for live exports in this country beggars belief. Unless these cattle are treated in a fair and reasonable way then the social licence can disappear very quickly. It is not simply about getting cattle on board and getting them to the abattoirs. They have to be treated in a humane, effective way. I thank Senator Ludwig for having the courage and the foresight to do that to ensure that our export industry was maintained. I seek leave to continue my remarks later.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.