Livestock exporters will receive support in implementing a new scheme to improve efficiency and competitiveness of trade following a commitment of $8.3 million in the Federal Government’s 2017-18 Budget.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce was in Gracemere today to make the announcement, and said the program will maintain the high standards of animal welfare that underpin the trade.
Mr Joyce said anyone who opposed the live export market was “idiotic”.
“Because then we’d just have 100 other countries who would take our place,” he said.
“What we should be doing, and what we do do, is to increase how animals are treated away from our borders and by the ESCAS system and this will support it.
“I am a huge supporter of the live cattle trade, and want to get into new markets and all the time this gives people confidence… those mums and dads out there whether they’re in Alpha, or in Nebo, or out at Clermont, they’re going to make a buck and get a fair return for the work they’ve put in.”
Mr Joyce said the program aims to “maintain” the high standards of animal welfare already in place.
“The Livestock Global Assurance Program is an industry-led scheme that will improve the efficiency and competitiveness of our live exporters, however the government will still remain the regulator of the Australian livestock export industry,” he said.
“While ESCAS has delivered significant improvements to animal welfare, it imposes a significant regulatory and financial burden, costing government and industry an estimated $17.6 million annually.”
