A cattle ban should be imposed
June 1, 2011
COMMENT
THE cruelty to Australian cattle in Indonesian abattoirs that has been exposed is a disgrace to this country. It is also an indictment on the beef industry and our officialdom that it has come to this.
The Four Corners report was shocking not just for the atrocities shown, but for some of the attitudes expressed. Cameron Hall, CEO of LiveCorp, a company owned by exporters, said ''improving animal welfare [in Indonesian facilities] is a step-by-step process''. Australia should not tolerate a ''step-by-step'' process.
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Yesterday both government and opposition fell over themselves to express concern. The government suspended exports to the facilities identified. The opposition sought a bipartisan approach.
But why did it take animal welfare activists and a media report to expose this scandal and get some (limited) action? The problems of the live animal trade have been well known. In Howard's time sheep exports to Saudi Arabia were suspended. Knowing the problems, Australian authorities should have been monitoring the cattle trade better.
The government, which doesn't want to stop the whole Indonesian trade, faces a concerned backbench. Janelle Saffin and Kelvin Thomson have given notice of a caucus motion to stop cattle exports to Indonesia until all slaughter facilities receiving Australian cattle meet Australian standards and there's ongoing monitoring. It would be nearly impossible for these conditions to be fulfilled any time soon.
It would be a big call to stop the total cattle trade to Indonesia, which is worth more than $300 million.
The dollar figure is significant, and jobs would be at stake. Taking a tough line would also not please the Indonesians.
But a ban should be imposed. Although, in the wake of the horrible images, there will be investigations, and new Australian measures, Indonesian practices won't change quickly, and Australia's ability to control what happens is minimal.
It's no good Australia having tough anti-cruelty laws while we tolerate those in another country treating our animals in a way that would land you in jail here.
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Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/a-cattle-ban-should-be-imposed-20110531-1feqs.html#ixzz1NyN49NMq
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