Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Georgiou for that very important question. As Senator Georgiou has alluded to, the licence in question—to Emmanuel—was suspended, and a show cause notice was issued following evidence obtained in the course of an ongoing investigation. Exporters are responsible for ensuring that they meet the animal welfare requirements under Commonwealth and state law. The investigation was conducted by the independent regulator, which the government fully supported, with a show cause notice and a suspension being issued. These are serious decisions for the regulator, and they cannot be rushed; nor can they be held off once the evidence indicates the need for action. We support that action, but it is one conducted by the independent regulator, and it is they that have held the discussions and investigations with the relevant exporter in this case.

In terms of the second part of your question, I reject any suggestion that there is a northern summer ban in force. The government remains committed to supporting a sustainable live sheep export industry that is appropriately regulated according to strict animal welfare standards. We were all disgusted by the footage that was revealed a couple of months ago, but the government did not have a kneejerk reaction; we took appropriate action to establish a proper independent review—the McCarthy review. It's made a number of recommendations, which we have all accepted. Already we have reduced the mortality threshold allowable on boats from two to one per cent. We've put independent observers on ships leaving for the Middle East and we have reduced stocking rates on boats leaving for the Middle East. The government is taking further action as well in the assessment of a heat stress assessment model, along the lines recommended by Dr McCarthy. We will continue to support a sustainable industry that is appropriately and strictly regulated.