BLANKET EXPORT BAN HURTS LOCAL GRAZIERS
10-June-2011
Labor’s knee-jerk reaction to suspend live cattle exports to all Indonesian abattoirs could hurt local graziers, as excess cattle stocks flood back into the local market.
Sophie Mirabella MP, Federal Member for Indi has raised concerns from local farmers that the blanket ban could significantly distort prices in the local cattle market and potentially cause large losses to the local economy.
Mrs Mirabella’s comments follow a flood of calls from concerned graziers in North East Victoria.
“My phone has been ringing non stop,” said Mrs Mirabella.
“These graziers have come through 10 years of drought, followed by some of the worst floods in living memory and just as things are starting to look up they face the possibility of a local cattle glut.
“We all understand that the Government needed to act in light of the horrific 4 Corners report, but it’s important not to make knee-jerk policy decisions that could have harmful ramifications for beef producers across the country.
“The total suspension of live cattle trade to Indonesia sends the wrong message by penalising facilities that have acted to deliver best practice reform. The best message the government could send to processors in Indonesia is that we will only do business with those who meet our expectations on animal care and treatment. That is the kind of measure that would encourage behavioural change.
“In light of the huge number of concerns raised with me this week from local growers, I will be seeking to take the matter up with the Minister and Shadow Minister in Canberra next week,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.