Live export ban: Minister holds urgent meeting in Broome to assess economic and employment impact, Redman
Author: Terry Redman
Published on: 10-June-2011
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman will fly to Broome this morning to hold an urgent meeting with pastoralists and assess the worsening economic and jobs impact of the Federal Government’s decision to impose a snap blanket ban on the live cattle trade.
Mr Redman said he also wanted to hear first-hand the concerns that the export ban had actually raised new animal welfare issues with thousands of cattle stranded and serious logistical issues around ensuring feed, water and their general wellbeing.
The Minister reiterated his view that the Federal Government’s decision to snap a blanket ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia had been a knee-jerk response.
“This was a lazy decision. The industry is worth $250million to Western Australia and underpins thousands of jobs,” he said.
