Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

The coalition government unequivocally supports the live export trade. The value of the live export trade including cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats between October 2013 and November 2014 exceeded $1.6 billion. That means that a greater return to our primary producers is this government's core priority and that is something that is happening as we speak. What is also often disregarded is that this trade contributes to the food security of millions of people in importing countries across the world, particularly in markets where there is a strong cultural preference for freshly slaughtered meat. Added to this, Australia's leadership in the trade has provided significant opportunity to positively influence animal welfare conditions in these countries and continues to do so. We can be proud that under the exporter supply chain assurance scheme, ESCAS, animal welfare outcomes have improved not only for Australian exported livestock but also domestic livestock and those sourced from other countries.

The live export industry generates employment for around 10,000 people including in ancillary industries such as transport, veterinary and feedlot services. The live cattle trade also provides employment opportunities for Indigenous people in Northern Australia's live export region. On top of this, the industry has provided training to more than 7,000 people working in the supply chains in Asia and the Middle East including managers and animal welfare officers who help improve animal handling and husbandry techniques. The increased use of stunning equipment has become active and respected through trade diplomacy.

The government have also committed to relieving the red tape burden for the industry under ESCAS. We will not be reducing our assurance on animal welfare but what we will be doing is removing duplication, rework and unnecessary bureaucracy. These practical changes are designed to make live export processes faster and more cost-effective.