Live Export Reform Progresses
AUSTRALIA - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has confirmed the Gillard Government’s new exporter supply chain assurance system will apply to the first tranche of Australian live export markets from today, 1 March, as scheduled.
1 March 2012
2 minute read
Minister Ludwig said the implementation of the system to Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Turkey, in addition to existing arrangements in Indonesia and Egypt, will mean the Government’s reforms will apply to 75 per cent of Australia’s live export trade.
All markets will be covered by the end of 2012.
“The implementation of the exporter supply chain assurance system to these markets is in line with timelines outlined in the Government’s response to the Farmer Review and by the Industry-Government Working Group,” Minister Ludwig said.
“The Gillard Government is committed to the live export trade. These reforms will provide long term stability for the industry, and the jobs, families and communities that rely on it.
“Through the Industry-Government Implementation Group, the Government has closely consulted with industry and State and Territory Governments regarding the timing for the reforms.
“Industry bodies and exporters have worked constructively with the Government throughout this process – this cooperation is vital to implementing the exporter supply chain assurance system and ensuring a long term future for this trade.”
From 1 March 2012, all requests to export to Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Turkey will be subject to conditions that the livestock may only be transported to the specified facilities, that the animals must be traced from start to finish and are treated at or better than internationally agreed welfare standards, and that those supply chains will be independently audited.
“The supply chain assurance system has been designed to ensure animal welfare is at the heart of this trade – it is an essential foundation for a strong future for the industry,” Minister Ludwig said.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry continues to work closely with individual exporters to provide advice and assistance as they establish their new arrangements and submit their applications to export under the new system.
The Government is also continuing to liaise closely with trading partners during the transition to this new framework.
The final shipments approved prior to 1 March 2012 will depart in coming days. Timing of future shipments under the new system is a matter for exporters as part of normal commercial decisions.
TheCattleSite News Desk
