18 May 2012
DAFF12/319L
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, welcomed the report released today by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) into alleged breaches of approved exporter supply chains in Australia’s live export trade.
“The independent regulator, DAFF, has completed its investigation and taken action against those exporters found to be in breach of their approved supply chains,” Minister Ludwig said.
Last year, the Gillard Government rolled out significant reforms to the live export trade. There is now a system in place that allows the regulator to identify supply chains, identify animals, and identify exporters. It allows the regulator to investigate when the required standards are not met, and take action, as has occurred in this instance.
The new system provides the checks and balances the community expects for the live export trade to continue.
“This Government continues to support the trade, as well as the jobs, families and communities that rely upon it,” Minister Ludwig said.
“The fact that some exporters do not meet the standards we require should not overshadow the progress that many in the industry have made to date.”
The new regulatory system has been rolled out to cover 75 per cent of Australia’s live export markets, with 99 per cent to be covered by the end of August. By the end of 2012, all markets will be covered.
For more information about the new system or the report, contact the regulator, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, or visit DAFF's livestock export webpage.
