Indonesia moves to phase out Australian beef by 2014, Crook

Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 16-December-2011

Nationals WA Federal Member for O’Connor Tony Crook MP has called on Prime Minister Julia Gillard to meet with the Indonesian government, following an announcement yesterday that Indonesia plans to phase out Australian beef exports over the next three years.

International media yesterday reported that the Indonesian Government has signalled their intentions to remove their reliance on Australian beef entirely by 2014,

The Indonesian Government also drastically slashed the 2012 quota allocation for live cattle imported into Indonesia from 500,000 head of cattle to just 280,000 head – as well as a reduction in boxed beef quantities.

Mr Crook said the announcement by Indonesia came on the heels of Australia’s live cattle export ban earlier this year.

“While the Gillard Government will be quick to deny there is any link, it is very likely Australia's actions in suspending the live export trade were a factor in this decision by the Indonesian Government,” Mr Crook said.

“Indonesia is now sending a message that they no longer view Australia as a reliable trading partner – and they are right to do so.”

Mr Crook criticised the Minister for Agriculture, Senator Joe Ludwig, for failing to protect Australia’s live export industry.

“Minister Ludwig has placed the entire industry in major jeopardy through his poor handling of this issue.”

Mr Crook said Senator Ludwig had been overlooked during this week’s cabinet reshuffle.

“No other Minister has made more of a mess of their portfolio than Senator Ludwig has over the past 12 months.

“The Prime Minister should be taking a long, hard look at whether or not Senator Ludwig has a future as the Minister for Agriculture.”

Mr Crook said yesterday’s announcement from the Indonesian Government could be a sign of things to come for other industries.

“Indonesia is one of Australia’s most important trading partners for sheep and wheat.

“The Gillard Government may not think this is an issue, but I guarantee every sheep and wheat producer in the country sees this move as a threat.”

Mr Crook said the Prime Minister needed to take action to ensure these industries would not be affected.

“I shudder to think of the damage a reduction in sheep or wheat exports could cause to regional Australia.”

Mr Crook said the Government could not wait for Parliament to resume in 2012 before action is taken on this issue.

“The Gillard Government needs to take action today to find a solution immediately.”

See this article on the member's website