Livestock industry welcomes Government’s response on exports

The Australian livestock industry has today jointly welcomed the Australian Government’s response to the Senate Inquiry into livestock exports, acknowledging the Government’s stated commitment to supporting the continuation of the trade.
The Australian livestock industry has worked closely with the Australian, State and Territory Governments and animal welfare groups on the development of a robust framework to ensure positive animal welfare outcomes in the livestock export trade.
This framework, the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS), is an approved and independently audited system that meets international animal welfare standards, safeguarding the welfare of exported Australian animals. It allows for any animal welfare concerns to be identified, isolated and appropriately addressed, ensuring the remainder of the compliant trade can continue.
The Australian livestock industry is committed to ensuring continual improvements in animal welfare standards across all markets for Australian livestock exports. The supply chain assurance system now covers 75 percent of all Australian livestock exported, with the remainder to be brought under ESCAS by the end of 2012.
The livestock industry will continue to work with the Australian Government, ensuring the commitment to the continuation of the trade is upheld.
This is a joint statement on behalf of the National Farmers’ Federation, Livecorp, AgForce, the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association, WAFarmers, the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council, Cattle Council of Australia and Sheepmeat Council of Australia.