Prime Minister must intervene in Indonesia negotiations, Crook

Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 28-June-2011

Federal Member for O’Connor Tony Crook MP has called on Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kevin Rudd to intervene and repair relations between Indonesia and Australia following the live export ban.

Mr Crook said this live export ban was already causing significant international ramifications for Australia.

“The longer this live export ban continues, the more damage it is doing to the relationship between Australia and Indonesia, and the more important it will become for intervention at the highest level.

“It is vital the Prime Minister travels to Indonesia to address these relationships immediately.”

Mr Crook said the Labor Government would also need to repair damaged relationships with the agricultural sector.

“Australia’s farming community has every right to be disappointed in the Government for having a knee-jerk reaction without considering the ramifications.

“It is imperative the Labor Government puts every effort into rebuilding these relations to allow our live export industry to get back on track.”

Mr Crook said the Minister for Agriculture, Senator Joe Ludwig, needed to do more than offer compensation for those workers who have lost their income.

“While those workers and small businesses who have been hit hard by the live export ban will certainly benefit from having access to Centrelink services, the reality is that $3 million will not go far.”

“The damage to this industry in coming months could well run into the hundreds of millions of dollars. It can’t be fixed with a few Centrelink payments.”

Mr Crook said Minister Ludwig needed to commit to a timeframe to reinstate live export.

“Our farmers, their families, and our regional communities who support out agricultural industry deserve to be given a time-frame so they can start planning for the future.

“This needs to happen, and it needs to happen immediately.

“If a solution is not realised by the time the Indonesian import permits expire on Thursday, the need for compensation could be a hundred fold.”

Mr Crook said abattoirs operating at an international standard should be re-opened to Australian animals immediately.

“Animal welfare can be guaranteed at many abattoirs in Indonesia, and so long as this is the case, there is no reason for the live export ban to continue.”

A Centrelink hotline has been established for those affected by the live export ban and can be reached on 1800 808 869.

See this article on the member's website