Susan McDonald (Queensland, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before moving general business notice of motion No. 37, I ask that the names of Senators Brockman, Hanson and Roberts be added to the motion. I, and on behalf of Senators McGrath, Stoker, Rennick, Scarr, Brockman, Hanson and Roberts, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) a strong and resilient agricultural sector is key to the continued growth and wealth of the Australian economy, especially rural and regional towns,

  (ii) Australian farmers and graziers are world leaders in safe, ethical and humane methods, and

  (iii) Australian farmers and graziers are typically 'mum and dad' operations, employing people throughout their local region and reinvesting in their local community; and

(b) condemns the actions of 'animal activists' like Aussie Farms Inc. and supports state and federal legislation that supports Australian farmers and graziers by ensuring they can go about their businesses safely.

Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We should be ashamed of the cruelty that is allowed to go on in animal agriculture. Many farms do not use cruel practices, but many do—especially industrial factory farms. Dehorning and castration of cattle and debeaking of chooks goes on without any pain relief. Chickens are locked up in cages for all their lives; they can't even flap their wings. Pigs are in pens where they can't even turn. Australian people love animals; they want animals to be treated with kindness. Yet this government, rather than improving animal welfare laws and practices, is obsessed with attacking people who actually expose this mistreatment, cruelty and abuse. Shame on you! You are on the wrong side of history.

Question agreed to.