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

The Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports Bill 2019 will establish the position of Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports. It will empower the Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports to review the performance of functions and exercise of powers by officials in relation to the export of livestock and to make recommendations for improvements. The Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports will promote continual improvements in the regulatory practice, performance and culture of the Department of Agriculture in its role as the independent regulator of livestock exports.

The bill provides an additional independent layer of accountability and assurance in the regulation of livestock exports. The bill will contribute to driving positive change in the livestock export industry—an industry which the government supports as a legitimate business option for farmers. I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question negatived.

Original question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.