Government to Review Livestock Export Standards

In a separate process, the government will also review the livestock inspection processes for sheep prior to export at the port of Fremantle, Western Australia.

Deputy Secretary of the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Phillip Glyde, said the reviews are in line with the government’s response to the recommendations made in the Independent Review into Australia’s Livestock Export Trade by Bill Farmer, AO in October 2011.

“The Australian Government is committed to the live export industry and the trade has improved substantially since the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System was introduced a year ago,” Mr Glyde said.

“The reforms introduced by the Government were about giving this industry a strong, secure, long-term future, and supporting thousands of regional jobs.”

Government and industry continue to work together to implement reforms in line with the Farmer review, including the reviews announced this week.

“The Australian Government will consult broadly and work closely with industry, state and territory governments, the veterinary profession and animal welfare groups during these reviews,” Mr Glyde said.

The reviews will seek submissions from the public and will take account of the submissions on the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock made to the Independent Review into Australia’s Livestock Export Trade.

“The government has established the Livestock Export Reform Programme Implementation Board, which is responsible for delivering the recommendations of the Farmer report and will oversee both of these review processes,” Mr Glyde said.