Media statement - Friday 17 June
Industry outlines $9 million animal welfare plan to Government to progressively reopen cattle trade to Indonesia
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), on behalf of the cattle industry, today presented industry's $9 million animal welfare plan to Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig to progressively reopen the cattle trade to Indonesia.
MLA Managing Director David Palmer said a progressive reopening would test the effectiveness of the new systems currently being implemented for the welfare of Australian cattle. It is proposed that the cattle being held in northern Australian quarantine facilities would be exported as part of the reopening which would address the immediate welfare concerns around these cattle.
"We have had the opportunity to discuss the industry's position with the Minister and it was a constructive meeting," said Mr Palmer.
The industry and government working group is also progressing the development of this plan.
"The industry has told us clearly - they don't want contingency funds, they want an export industry," said Mr Palmer.
"There are three objectives here. The welfare of our animals, the welfare of our people across northern Australia, and the food security needs of our neighbour."
For further information: MLA media manager (02) 9463 9388
Progress on implementing industry plan:
The plan focuses on the independent assessment and accreditation of abattoirs against OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) animal welfare standards at a minimum. These standards were endorsed by major political parties this week.
MLA and LiveCorp's team of animal welfare experts, working with Indonesian cattle importers, have focused on the following activities over the past two weeks to enable the swift resumption of Australia's live export trade.
Increased stunning
There are now 11 Indonesian facilities using stunning equipment. Building on the five that were already in use, we have assisted another two facilities to install stunning equipment and an Indonesian importer has supplied another four facilities. A further three facilities have been identified to have stunning installed as a priority. Expert training has been delivered with the MLA/LiveCorp team providing additional technical support.
Improved infrastructure
As requested by Indonesia, a program to review abattoir infrastructure and design has commenced. This will develop alternative options based on a Temple Grandin standing slaughter design, which will allow for both stunning and processing in the standing position. Designs will consider local conditions, including the lack of electricity, and skill levels to allow it to be manually operated.
OIE compliance assurance program
An audit checklist for all sectors of the livestock import trade in Indonesia will be used to assess whether their operations comply with OIE standards. Individual feedlots and abattoirs will need to have management procedures in place for staff training, maintaining equipment, feed programs, management of cattle and slaughter procedures.
Traceability of cattle within Indonesia
A team is urgently developing a traceability system for cattle in Indonesia. This will enable importers to trace animals from the vessel into the feedlot, and then out of the feedlot and into the abattoir.
Training animal welfare officers
MLA will train 30 animal welfare officers during June to be stationed in facilities processing Australian cattle. The training will cover animal handling training, Halal slaughter practices, standard operating procedures, hygiene and stunning training.
Increased training for Indonesian abattoir workers
A team of eight Australian stock handling experts have conducted intensive training programs over the past two weeks.
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