January 24, 2012
Agriculture Minister Senator Joe Ludwig will head an industry delegation to the Middle East this week to implement Australia's new livestock regulatory framework.
The reforms, developed by the federal government in response to an independent Farmer Review, follow controversy over cruelty to Australian cattle in Indonesia filmed by ABC TV’s Four Corners program last year.
Announced by the government on 21 October 2011, a new set of guidelines require exporters to put in place controlled and independently audited supply chains that meet internationally accepted animal welfare standards.
The reforms seek to ensure Australian livestock exported for slaughter are treated at or above internationally accepted animal welfare standards.
The Gillard Government has committed $5 million for exporters on a co-contribution basis who wish to upgrade their supply chains to improve animal welfare outcomes.
An additional $10 million is also available to assist eligible countries improve animal welfare outcomes.
As part of the implementation process, Minister Ludwig will lead a delegation of livestock industry members and their representatives to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, all of which are significant markets for livestock exports from Australia.
“An important step in building that future is working with our exporters to ensure acceptable animal welfare outcomes in the trade,” Minister Ludwig says.
“Middle Eastern markets are important for Australian livestock exports. The new supply chain assurance framework will apply to a number of these markets from the end of February.”
Ludwig says the official visit is an important way to communicate our reforms to foreign Government Ministers and key Middle Eastern importers.
This is intended to assist Australian exporters as they establish their supply chain assurance systems.
Minister Ludwig said the responsibility lies with Australian exporters to actively pursue commercial arrangements that are in line with the new regulatory framework requirements.
In recognition of this, Minister Ludwig will be joined in the Middle East by a number of Australian exporters, as well as representatives from the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council, Sheepmeat Council of Australia, Livecorp and the Cattle Council of Australia.
A State and Territory Government representative will also take part in the visit.
“The Gillard Government will continue to work with industry as the reforms are rolled out, including through the Industry-Government Implementation Group which also includes State and Territory Government representatives,” Ludwig says.
The delegation will visit Saudi Arabia from 27–29 January, Kuwait from 29–30 January, Bahrain from 30-31 January and Qatar from 31 January to 1 February.