Live Animal Export Trade

For the latest information on live animal exports, visit www.liveexports.gov.au.



Important Notice: As of 27 April 2011 the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 2.3) will apply. 

The live export industry is an important part of Australia’s vibrant and growing livestock industry. In 2009 the live export sector earned $996.5 million and underpinned the employment of around 10 000 people in rural and regional Australia.

Australia leads the world in animal welfare practices. The Australian Government does not tolerate cruelty towards animals and will not compromise on animal welfare standards. Our ongoing involvement in the livestock export trade provides an opportunity to influence animal welfare conditions in importing countries.

The government and the livestock export industry are working cooperatively with our trading partners to address post-arrival welfare concerns and to improve the transportation, handling and slaughter practices of livestock in overseas markets. The Department is jointly funding a number of projects with the live export industry to improve infrastructure and training to promote better animal handling and slaughter practices. Australia is the only country that requires specific animal welfare outcomes for livestock exports. Our ongoing involvement in this trade provides an opportunity to influence animal welfare conditions in importing countries.

In 2003 a broad-ranging investigation into Australia’s livestock export industry chaired by Dr John Keniry recommended a range of initiatives to improve animal welfare conditions in the livestock export trade including  better infrastructure to reduce livestock stress or injury and training for feedlot, abattoir and transport staff in overseas markets.

In the 2009-10 Budget, the government announced the Live Trade Animal Welfare Partnership, which will invest $3.2 million over three years, including $1.6 million from the government with matching support from Australian producers and livestock exporters to further improve animal welfare in, and support trade with, overseas markets. The Government has also introduced legislation that provides stronger regulation of the livestock export industry. This includes a requirement to comply with the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock.

This legislation was an important step by the Government to overhaul the livestock export trade. Arrangements to ensure exported animals are well treated during road and sea transportation are an important part of the standards. Ships must comply with strict rules about ventilation, drainage and provision of water and food. Each animal must have access to food and water on demand and enough space to lie down, and there must be special pens for sick animals to receive veterinary care.

Under the Australian Meat and Live-stock Industry Act 1997, a report on the carriage of livestock on any sea voyage to a port outside of Australia must be tabled in each House of Parliament every 6 months. The reports to Parliament are based on the total voyage mortalities for each voyage. Some voyages include several consignments for different exporters, so it is possible for a consignment to experience a high mortality incident, but for the outcome of other consignments on the same voyage to be under the reportable mortality level. For this reason, some of the consignment mortality events may not appear in the report to Parliament, which is tabled every six months.

The Australia Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) investigates all consignments which record a reportable mortality event.

A reportable mortality event occurs in a consignment if the mortality rate is equal to, or exceeds, the reportable level specified in the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL). For cattle, sheep and goats these levels are:

  • Sheep and goats: 2%
  • Cattle voyages greater than or equal to ten days (long haul): 1%
  • Cattle voyages less than ten days (short haul): 0.5%

More information about AQIS mortality investigations.

Mortality rates have fallen in recent years. Between 2000 and 2010 the average mortality rate for short haul cattle fell from 0.09% to 0.04%, the average mortality rate for long haul cattle from 0.42% to 0.28%, the average mortality rate for sheep has fallen from 1.34% to 0.91% and the average mortality rate for goats has fallen from 1.98% to 0.69%. The government’s policy is to bring about further improvements.

Australia has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with ten countries in the Middle East and Africa region and negotiations continue with other trading partners in the region. A key element of these MOUs is that animals be unloaded on arrival regardless of their health status. The MOUs also allow us to help our trading partners improve post arrival handling and slaughter through cooperative activities based around improving animal welfare.

Australia has also signed an MOU with Egypt on Handling and Slaughter of Australian Live Animals. This MOU requires that international animal welfare standards be applied to the handling of Australian livestock (sheep and cattle) as well as some specific handling requirements for Australian cattle.

Suggestions that the live trade could be completely replaced by chilled and frozen meat fails to take into account the requirements of the market. While Australia has developed a significant trade in meat products, the lack of refrigeration and cold chain facilities, as well as strong cultural preferences for freshly slaughtered meat precludes Australia from servicing all of its export markets with processed meat products.

More information

Australian Position Statement for the Export of Livestock

Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock

Live animal export trade – information released under the FOI Act

Animal welfare is an ongoing concern for the Australian Government, and one that the department has been actively addressing.

The department has received a number of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests concerning live animal exports. The table below lists information that has been released under section 23(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act), in response to these requests for access.

LAE-related FOI requests
Summary of FOI request received by the department Documents released
FOI 2011/12-16
An application requesting access to documents created between 01 August 2011 and 31 August 2011 that relate to sheep intended for export aboard the MV AL Messilah that departed Port Adelaide 8 August 2011.
  1. Permit - Permit to Import Quarantine Material (IP11014396) PDF [243 KB], released with exemptions -s22(1)(a)(ii), s47G(1)(a), s47F (1)
  2. Electronic Transmission - Electronic Transmission PDF [136 KB], released with exemptions -s22(1)(a)(ii), s47G(1)(a), s47F (1), s.47(1)(b)
  3. Form - Quarantine Pre Arrival Report for Vessels PDF [174 KB] - 86373, released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s47F (1), s47G(1)(a), s.47(1)(b) 
  4. Form - Goods Subject to
    Quarantine     PDF [130 KB] - 86373, released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s47F (1) 
  5. Certificate - Certificate of Pratique PDF [104 KB], released with exemptions - s47G(1)(a)
  6. Statement - Statement by Master of Livestock Vessel 7/8/11 PDF [165 KB], released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s47F (1) 
  7. Checklist - AQIS Livestock Vessel
    Inspection 7/8/11     PDF [383 KB], released in full
  8. Summary - AQIS Ballast Water
    Management Summary     (Form 026) 4/8/11 PDF [118 KB] , released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s47F(1) 
  9. Record of Services - AQIS Record of Services 8/8/11 PDF [67 KB], released with exemptions - s47G(1)(a)
  10. Order - Order for Release of a Ship, document withheld pending completion of third party review period. 
  11. Situation - Report Situation Report 29/08/11 PDF [118 KB], released with exemptions s47G(1)(a)
  12. Form - AQIS Release From
    Quarantine - 70004     PDF [86 KB], released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s47G(1)(a), s47F(1)
  13. Form - Permission to move goods
    subject to quarantine     PDF [69 KB], released with exemptions s22(1)(a)(ii), s47G(1)(a), s47F (1) 
  14. Information sheet - Staff Procedures Information - AQIS PDF [67 KB],
    released with exemptions - s47G(1)(a), s47F (1) 
  15. Forms - Driver checklist PDF [133 KB], released with exemptions - s.47(1)(b), s47G(1)(a), s47F (1) 
  16. Report - Exempt in full - s.47(1)(b),
  17. Permit/Certificate - Permit to Export Animals or Animal Reproductive
    Material 511-004074     PDF [201 KB], released with exemptions - s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a)
  18. Permit/Certificate - Permit to Export Animals or Animal Reproductive
    Material 511-004075     PDF [197 KB], released with exemptions - s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a)
  19. Permit/Certificate - Permit to Export Animals or Animal Reproductive
    Material 511-004076     PDF [215 KB], released with exemptions - s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a)
  20. Report - Exempt in full - s.47(1)(b)
  21. Situation report - Situation Report 2pm 21 August 2011 - LIVE SHEEP
    EXPORTS: VESSEL “AL MESSILAH” RETURN TO PORT PDF [310 KB], released with exemptions - s47G(1)(a), s47F (1), s.47(1)(b)
  22. Report - Exempt in full - s.47(1)(b)
  23. Report - Exempt in full - s.47(1)(b)
  24. Update - Live Export Vessel Al
    Messilah     - update 18 August PDF [57 KB], released with exemptions - s47G(1)(a)
  25. Report - Exempt in full -s.47(1)(b)
  26. Report - Exempt in full -s.47(1)(b)
  27. Report - Exempt in full -s.47(1)(b)
  28. Report - Exempt in full -s.47(1)(b)
  29. Report - Exempt in full -s.47(1)(b)
  30. Report - Exempt in full -s.47(1)(b)
  31. Report - Exempt in full -s.47(1)(b)
  32. Report - Exempt in full -s.47(1)(b)
  33. Report - Exempt in full -s.47(1)(b)
  34. Report - Exempt in full -s.47(1)(b)
  35. Form - Application for Health
    Certificate and Permission
    to Leave for Loading     PDF [101 KB], released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s47G(1)(a), s47F (1) 
  36. Form - Permission to Leave for
    Loading     PDF [79 KB], released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s47F (1), s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a)
  37. Form - Application for Live-Stock
    Export Permits     PDF [79 KB], released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s47G(1)(a), s47F (1) 
  38. Plan - Livestock Travel Plan
    7/8/11     PDF [55 KB], released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s.47(1)(b), s47F (1) and s47G(1)(a)
  39. Declaration - Exempt in full -s47G(1)(a)
  40. Declaration - Declaration of Pre-Export Veterinary Health and Welfare Inspection for
    Livestock Prepared for Export     PDF [85 KB], released with exemptions -
    s22(1)(a)(ii), s.47(1)(b) and
    s47G(1)(a), s47F (1) 
  41. Form - Declaration of welfare and
    supervison of loading of
    livestock (form L)     PDF [212 KB], released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a), s47F (1) 
  42. Form - Record of rejection of
    livestock from an export consignment (form K)     PDF [80 KB], released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a), s47F (1)
  43. Form - Declaration by exporter
    (form M)     PDF [95 KB], released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a), s47F (1)
  44. Form - Declaration by isolation
    premises management on
    pre-export isolation of livestock for export (form G)     PDF [81 KB], released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a), s47F (1)
  45. Form - Property of origin list for
    livestock intended for export (form M)     PDF [194 KB], released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a), s47F (1)
  46. Facsimile - From AQIS to exporter (7 pages) PDF [409 KB], released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a), s47F (1) 
  47. Form - Notice of intention &
    consignment risk management plan for livestock exports     PDF [187 KB], released with exemptions - s22(1)(a)(ii), s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a), s47F(1)
  48. Document - Exporter's Document Exempt in full -s.47(1)(b)
  49. Manual - Exporter's Manual Exempt in full -s.47(1)(b)
  50. Document - Risk Assessment -12 Aug 2011 PDF [298 KB], released with exemptions - s.47(1)(b)
  51. Talking points - Situation Report - Live sheep exports Al Messilah
    incident 15.8.2011 Final'     LIVE SHEEP EXPORTS: VESSEL “AL MESSILAH” RETURN TO PORT PDF [99 KB], released with exemptions -
    s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a),
    s47F (1) 
  52. Talking Points - Situation Report Live sheep exports Al Messilah
    incident 16.8 2011     Final' LIVE SHEEP EXPORTS: VESSEL “AL MESSILAH” RETURN TO PORT PDF [97 KB], released with exemptions -
    s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a),
    s47F (1) 
  53. Talking Points and Media Release - Situation Report - Live sheep exports Al Messilah incident 16.8 2011 Final Revised' Live Sheep Exports: Vessel “Al
    Messilah” Return to Port     PDF [179 KB]. Includes RSPCA Media Release, released with exemptions - s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a), s47F (1) 
  54. Talking Points - Situation Report - Live sheep exports Al Messilah
    incident 17.8 2011 Live Sheep Exports: Vessel “Al Messilah”
    Retuen to Port     PDF [123 KB], released with exemptions - s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a), s47F (1) 
  55. Talking Points - Situation Report - Live sheep exports Al Messilah
    incident 19.8 2011 Live Sheep Exports: Vessel “Al Messilah”
    Return to Port     PDF [118 KB], released with exemptions - s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a), s47F (1) 
  56. Talking Points - Situation Report- Live sheep exports Al Messilah
    incident 20.8 2011 Live Sheep Exports: Vessel “Al Messilah”
    Retuen to Port     PDF [119 KB], released with exemptions - s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a), s47F (1) 
  57. Talking Points - Situation Report - Live sheep exports Al Messilah
    incident 21.8 2011 Live Sheep Exports: Vessel “Al Messilah”
    Return to Port     PDF [118 KB], release with exemptions - s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a), s47F (1) 
  58. Talking Points - Situation Report - Live sheep exports Al Messilah
    incident 30.8 2011 Live Sheep Exports: Vessel "Al Messilah" Return to Port     PDF [104 KB], released with exemptions - s.47(1)(b) and s47G(1)(a), s47F (1)

FOI 2011/12-14
An application seeking access to documents in relation to live cattle exports to Indonesia and the 4 Corners program.
  1. File note - meeting with Australian Livestock Exporters' Council PDF [400 KB], released in full
  2. File note - meeting with Australian Livestock Exporters' Council PDF [427 KB], released in full
  3. File note - meeting with RSPCA and Animals Australian PDF [388 KB], released in full
  4. Note for file - Elders international PDF [312 KB], released in full
  5. File note - meeting with Industry representatives PDF [473 KB], release with exemptions - s33(a)(iii)
  6. File note - meeting with Industry representatives PDF [396 KB], released in full
  7. File note - Conversation with Elders Group General Manager Tony Dage PDF [268 KB], released in full
  8. Letter - variation to deed PDF [311 KB], released in full
  9. Email - exempt in entirety  s47B (a) and (b)

FOI 2011/12-23
An application seeking access to information regarding sheep unloaded from the Al Messilah, and subsequently re-exported to the Middle East on the Al Messilah and Al Shuwaikh in August 2011.
  1. Correspondence - letter from the department to the FOI applicant PDF [147 KB], released in full

FOI 2010/11-58
An application requesting access to representations from animal welfare and live cattle industry groups and briefing minutes provided to the Minister by the department relating to the live cattle export trade with Indonesia in the lead up to the imposition of the (a) suspension and (b) extension of the ban on this trade.
  1. Minute - exempt in entirety under s42
  2. Minute - Australian Livestock Export Industry - Strategic Vision for In-Market Animal Welfare PDF [5.6 MB], released in part with the exception of s47F(1) and s22(1)(a)(ii) information
  3. Correspondence - letter to Senator Ludwig from the authors of the Point of Slaughter report PDF [2.1 MB], released in part with the exception of s47F(1) information
  4. Correspondence - letters between RSPCA and Senator Ludwig PDF [424 KB], released in full
  5. Minute - Animal welfare and the cattle export trade PDF [5.1 MB], released in part with the exception of s47F(1), s47G(1)(a), s22(1)(a)(ii) and s33(a)(iii) information
  6. Correspondence - letter from AMIC to Senator Ludwig PDF [81 KB], released in full
  7. Correspondence - letter from RSPCA on 7 June 2011 PDF [94 KB], released in full
  8. Correspondence - letter from RSPCA on 3 June 2011 PDF [56 KB], released in full
  9. Correspondence - letters between RSPCA and Minister Ludwig PDF [102 KB], released in full
  10. Minute - live trade: options for regulating exports PDF [3 MB], released in part with the exception of s42(1), s22(1)(a)(ii) and s47F(1) information
  11. Minute - live trade: options for improvement PDF [3.1  MB], released in part with the exception of s42, s47C(1) and s47F(1) information
  12. Minute - preliminary analysis of the operation of the mark 1 restraining box PDF [5.6 MB], released in part with the exception of s47F(1) infomation
  13. Minute - exempt in entirety under s34(3) and s34(1)(d)

FOI 2010/11-53
An application requesting access to information relating to correspondence received or produced by the department between 30 May 2011 and 3 June 2011 concerning live animal exports or the ABC's 'Four Corners' program of 30 May 2011.
  1. Departmental email, response letter 2.6.11 1.41 pm PDF [925 KB], released in part with the exception of s22 information
  2. Departmental response, live exports PDF [585 KB], released in full
  3. Departmental email, response letter 2.6.11 12.55 pm PDF [898 KB], released in full
  4. Departmental email, response letter 1.6.11, 2.02 pm PDF [196 KB], released in part with the exception of s22 information
  5. Departmental email, processing emails received 2.6.11 11.36 am PDF [349 KB], released in part with the exception of s22 information
  6. Internal, instructions on sorting emails PDF [917 KB], released in full
  7. Departmental email, response to public 31.5.11 4.33 pm PDF [964 KB], released in part with the exception of s22 information
  8. Departmental email, managing correspondence 31.5.11 2.37 pm PDF [509 KB], released in part with the exception of s22 information
  9. Staff briefing 31.5.11 PDF [496 KB], released in full
  10. Departmental email, response letter 1.6.11 1.33 pm PDF [1.2 MB], released in part with the exception of s22 information
  11. Departmental email, combined response 1.6.11 11.01 am PDF [895 KB], released in part with the exception of s22 information
  12. Departmental email, combined response letter 31.5.11 3.45 pm PDF [894 KB], released in part with the exception of s22 information
  13. Departmental email, response letter 31.5.11 2.19 pm PDF [211 Kb], released in full
  14. Departmental email, response letter 30.5.11 6.23 pm PDF [599 KB], released in part with the exception of s22 information
  15. Departmental response, interm response live exports PDF [351 KB], released in full
  16. Departmental email, response letter 3.6.11 12.26 pm PDF [361 KB], released in full
  17. Departmental response, live exports final PDF [590 KB], released in full
  18. Stakeholder emails, responses to the Four Corners program PDF [7.7 MB], released in part with the exception of s22 information and s47F information
  19. Departmental email, response letter PDF [340 KB], released in full
Last reviewed:
09 Feb 2012
Contact:
Email the Animal Welfare Branch
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