Tim Storer (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

It is disappointing that the Prime Minister would not allow debate in the House of Representatives on the Animal Export Legislation Amendment (Ending Long-haul Live Sheep Exports) Bill so that the measure passed by the Senate could become law and this inhumane trade could be wound down in an orderly fashion. Disappointing as that was, the point is not to engage in finger-pointing and name-calling but to achieve the result the Senate voted for. Four in five South Australians oppose the live sheep trade, as do three out of four nationwide and seven out of 10 in the country. I support this motion to encourage the Prime Minister to re-think and let all members of the government, including his ministers, have a conscience vote on this matter of great concern to the overwhelming majority of Australians. I will continue to make ending the trade a priority in this place.