Pastoralists want work, not welfare, Redman
Author: Terry Redman
Published on: 30-June-2011
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said the Federal Government’s assistance scheme for businesses affected by the suspension of live cattle exports to Indonesia was welcome, but no substitute for getting the trade up and running again.
“The decision to suspend live exports to Indonesia has thrown the entire northern cattle industry into complete disarray,” Mr Redman said.
“Pastoralists don’t want a handout from the Federal Government. They want the trade resumed and their lives to go back to normal.”
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced businesses impacted by the suspension will be eligible for up to $25,000 in assistance.
Mr Redman said while he welcomed the acknowledgement of the hardship caused by the Federal Government’s decision to suspend live cattle exports to Indonesia, the money on offer would not go far.
“There are about 150,000 head of cattle in Western Australia with nowhere to go. $25,000 is enough to feed about 3,000 cows in a feedlot for just one day,” he said.
“The people affected by this are looking at missing out on a whole year’s income, so $25,000 doesn’t come close to covering their losses.”
The Minister urged the Federal Government to step up its efforts to re-open the trade with Indonesia.
“The decision to suspend live exports is costing this State millions of dollars every day,” he said.
“Ships going north is the only answer to this problem, and I would like to see a greater sense of urgency from the Federal Government towards getting the trade going again.”
