NFF supports live export industry

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and the Australian livestock industry are committed to working with the Government to improve animal welfare standards in live exports and resume trade to the Indonesian market as soon as possible.
While all livestock producers agree that measures must be put in place to ensure that Australian livestock are treated humanely, a prolonged suspension on the live export trade will cause lasting damage to Australia’s livestock industry.
The industry as a whole is calling on Government to work cooperatively to implement the solution: a controlled system to assure the welfare of Australian cattle processed in Indonesian facilities. Under this system, the livestock industry commits to the reduction of trade to a core group of facilities in Indonesia accredited to meet OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) animal welfare standards. A stringent supply chain, the rapid introduction of stunning, and an ongoing review and monitoring program will ensure Australian cattle are processed only through these facilities.
The industry is confident it can deliver this animal welfare solution in Indonesia within a rapidly escalated timeframe and is calling on the Government to work cooperatively to deliver this.
In the interim, the NFF and the industry are concerned about the impact the suspension of the trade will have both at home and abroad. The trade suspension will have a devastating impact on cattle producers and communities in the north, with dozens of businesses and thousands of remote jobs being lost. In addition, it is important to recognise that the suspension will not improve animal welfare in Indonesia, as livestock will simply be sourced from other markets without Australia’s welfare requirements.