Federal Government must establish livestock watchdog, Crook
Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 16-June-2011
Federal Member for O’Connor Tony Crook MP has called on the Federal Government to establish an independent Government watchdog tasked with bringing the live export trade back online immediately.
Mr Crook said an independent watchdog was needed to inspect Indonesian abattoirs on an individual basis.
“Through this measure, we could ensure Indonesian abattoirs meet an international standard, allowing us to export to these abattoirs again immediately,” Mr Crook said.
“This new independent watchdog should also be assigned the role of auditing and maintaining the standards of certified overseas abattoirs.”
Mr Crook said animal welfare must remain paramount in this solution.
“So long as animal welfare can be guaranteed – and it certainly can in many abattoirs throughout Indonesia – then live export should immediately be resumed to those approved abattoirs.”
Mr Crook said he was aware of an abattoir in Jakarta that could handle processing of 600-800 cattle each day and hold a further 12,000 cattle in an attached feedlot.
“This abattoir operates at an international standard and it is available for inspection by the Australian Government today.”
Mr Crook criticised Federal Minister for Agriculture Joe Ludwig for failing to address this issue with the urgency it deserves.
“I am very disappointed that the Minister has yet to visit Indonesia to attempt to resolve this ban, leaving State Ministers the task of cleaning up the Federal Government’s mess,” Mr Crook said.
“There is no denying that Meat and Livestock Australia and Livecorp have dropped the ball on this issue in relation to animal welfare, however the Federal Government must also be held accountable for the animal welfare, environmental and financial impacts of this blanket ban.”
Mr Crook said it was imperative that the Federal Government addresses this issue with the urgency it demands.
“It is vital for our Australian producers, it is vital for our regional communities, and above all, it is vital for the welfare of Australian animals overseas and at home.”
See this article on the member's website