Following the delivery of an Australian Veterinary Association scientific review in support of the State Government’s position on northern hemisphere summertime live sheep exports, WAFarmers has welcomed the additional information.
WAFarmers President Tony York said the more data presented to the Federal review, the better.
“We welcome and encourage the AVA information being sent to the Federal Government review, and look forward to seeing how the McCarthy review might incorporate these AVA recommendations,” Mr York said.
“We would, however, encourage stronger engagement by the State Government with producers and communities that would be severely affected by any ban on the trade.”
Mr York said all recommendations should be carefully considered, along with any economic repercussions as a result of these actions.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again; any ban on live export will affect not only the producers directly involved, but also their families and the communities they live in,” he said.
“We would prefer to see more safeguards in vessel operations, regulation and reporting put in place for the industry so that animal welfare standards are upheld and the trade can continue year-round.
“We look to the McCarthy review to deliver a pathway to industry regarding the future of summertime live sheep exports in the northern hemisphere, and will consider all recommendations once presented.”
Mr York said recent calls for a three month ban during high summer in the northern hemisphere had the potential to lead to a longer-term cessation of the trade.
“This action would severely restrict and reduce the trade, to the extent that we might not get it back after three months,” he said.
“Our customers rely on a year-round trade and will look elsewhere for a supply if they are forced to.”
Mr York is in Canberra today with WAFarmers Livestock Section President David Slade, to directly present the Western Australian perspective on the trade to politicians.
ENDS.
All media requests must be directed to WAFarmers Media and Communications Officer Melanie Dunn on (08) 9486 2100 or [email protected].
