[Greens-Media] Labor's live export boost out of step with public concern

[Rhiannon, Lee (Senator)]

MEDIA RELEASE
19 July 2013


Labor's live exports boost out of step with public concern

Commenting on the Rudd government's plan to increase live cattle exports to Indonesia, Greens animal welfare spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said Labor is out of touch with the majority of Australians who support an end to the export trade in live animals.

"Labor might think they have placated some angry pastoralists with their decision to boost live cattle exports but they are out of step with the majority of Australians who want to see an end to this cruel trade," Senator Rhiannon said.

Polling shows that the majority of Australians do not support the live export trade. [Links below]

"Agriculture Minister Joel Fitzgibbon has failed the public and many members of the Labor caucus who have identified live exports as a key concern of their constituents.

"The public is distressed over live export cruelty and they want the trade to end. People have lost confidence in the ability of government and industry to ensure the welfare of animals.

"The best way to end the cruelty and to give certainty for Australian farmers and pastoralists is to stop exporting livestock for consumption and process the meat in Australia for the boxed chilled meat export trade.



"Growing domestic meat processing for local and export markets will reduce animal cruelty inherent in the live export trade, increase regional jobs and boost Australia's economy," Senator Rhiannon said.


Greens position paper "Growing Australia's meat processing as an alternative to live exports"
http://lee-rhiannon.greensmps.org.au/sites/default/files/121109_position_paper_live_exports_0.pdf

Links to polling of Australian attitudes on the live export trade.
http://www.essentialmedia.com.au/live-cattle-export-ban/
http://www.theage.com.au/national/monthlong-live-cattle-ban-to-indonesia-lifted-20110706-1h2lw.html


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