WA continues to work for re-opening of live cattle market, Redman
Author: Terry Redman
Published on: 18-June-2011
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman will today travel to Indonesia to discuss the re-opening of the live cattle trade to Indonesia.
During the three-day visit, Mr Redman will inspect supply chain facilities and meet with senior Indonesian government and industry leaders.
“I am determined to reinforce with Indonesia how much we value our trade relationship with them as a food supplier to their community, and also stress how much we value high animal welfare standards,” he said.
“The Western Australian Government has no tolerance for animal cruelty, but we also have no tolerance for government decisions that needlessly disrupt food supply to valued customers, while also damaging Australian businesses and bringing hardship to Australian families.”
The Indonesian live export market has been worth about $200million a year to the WA economy over the last five years and supports thousands of jobs.
The Minister said his meeting with Indonesian government and business leaders was aimed at gaining a detailed understanding of the efforts being made to ensure animal welfare, traceability and assurance requirements.
“The WA Government is determined to see the live cattle trade to Indonesia re-open as a matter of urgency and to ensure all animal welfare issues addressed as a matter of haste,” he said.
“There should be no ban on cattle exported live from Australia to Indonesia that can be assured of going to facilities that meet appropriate standards.”
