Even more careful, focussed diplomacy is now needed, Gardiner
Author: Philip Gardiner
Published on: 01-July-2011
“That the Indonesian Government has not issued new permits to Australian livestock exporters for the export of live cattle to Indonesia when due clearly signifies the frustration the Indonesian authorities feel over the Australian Government’s pre-emptive ban on the export of live cattle to Indonesia which occurred over a month ago”, observes Hon Philip Gardiner, Nationals member for the Agricultural Region.
“While industry discussions and some Australian Government movement may be taking place to have conditional lifting of the ban, the importance of Indonesia as a long term trading partner and being amongst Australia’s closest neighbours requires even more careful and focussed diplomacy with our Indonesian colleagues,” Mr Gardiner said.
“The importance of having Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd and Trade Relations Craig Minister Emerson working to ameliorate a badly programmed and implemented plan is not to be underestimated. However, elevation of this issue to where there is a distinct cooling of relations over the way the Australian Government chose not to consult with the Indonesian Government prior to applying the ban deserves intense consideration by the Prime Minister of requesting to visit the Indonesian President to convey Australia’s self-reproach, and repair damage which has undoubtedly occurred to Australia’s sovereign risk through the eyes of Indonesia.”
“The damage to Australia’s sovereign risk was the central point of concern I made when addressing the industry and welfare meeting held by Western Australia’s Farming Federation on the steps of Parliament House on 11th June. It has now been widely recognised.”
“Trading partnerships between nations are little different from any other partnership – factors affecting the partnership should always be talked about between the partners first. In the case of this ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia, this was not done. Their industry is just as prone to damage as that of Australia’s, and in particular, Western Australia’s,” Mr Gardiner said.
“I am extremely supportive of the efforts being undertaken by the National’s Federal Member for O’Connor, Mr Tony Crook MHR to persuade the Prime Minister to visit Indonesia. Even with uncertain expectations of the outcome, it will fully serve to demonstrate contriteness with the Indonesians; remove the blight from Australia’s sovereign risk; and regain trust throughout the cattle and allied industry of Australia in trying to revive a live cattle export industry which is both sustainable, and meets Australia’s and Indonesian’s aspirations for the welfare of animals.”
“Such a visit by the PM would likely strengthen the trading partnership, but much less so if a visit is put off to some other “convenient”, but less propitious time”. Please move now Prime Minister that is the minimum you owe to the cattle industry.”
