Press Release

Live Exports to Indonesia

31 May 2011

The Australian Meat Industry Council shares the abhorrence of the Australian Public of the animal cruelty footage aired on the ABC Four Corners program last night titled “A Bloody Business”.

The Australian Meat Industry Council affirms that livestock processing in Australia is conducted in accordance with National and International laws, and enforced accordingly by State, Territory and Commonwealth inspectors to ensure that high standards of animal welfare are maintained at all times.

The Federal Government and Minister announced a suspension of live exports to a number of Indonesian abattoirs.

Given that live exports go to feed lots in Indonesia for finishing before slaughter, AMIC questions how the Australian Government will enforce this ban. The Minister must ensure the whole of life animal welfare of Australian cattle exported.

Until this is in place the announced ban will be ineffective and unenforceable – a token gesture.

The proposed legislation announced by Mr Wilkie and Senator Xenophon for an immediate ban on all live exports to Indonesia until the animal welfare issues are addressed is supported by AMIC.

Indonesia must demonstrate that it has implemented and is enforcing animal welfare standards which are the equivalent to the world class standards applied in Australia.

This is an important issue for which the Australian Meat Industry believes that other countries must operate to the equivalent Australian standards for livestock processing.

AMIC considers that this issue must be addressed with certainty and immediacy by the Australian Government.


Media Liaison Contact:
Christian Mulders - (02) 9086 2244

Spokesperson:
Tom Maguire - 0488 721 311
Chair - AMIC Animal Welfare Committee