Josh Frydenberg (Kooyong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to raise an issue of significant concern to my constituents, namely live animal exports. Like many in Kooyong I continue to be deeply shocked and angered by the graphic footage of animal cruelty in Indonesia, Malaysia and Egypt. Such inhumane treatment of any animal, in any country, is completely unacceptable, and our nation should do all that it can to prevent such behaviour occurring again.

However, of the 109 countries that engage in live animal exports, only Australia invests heavily in ensuring robust animal welfare standards in destination countries. If we were to abandon the trade, our export quota would be quickly filled by countries with lower animal welfare standards than we have, including Argentina, Hungary, South Africa and India. We must also recognise that the live animal export trade is an important part of our economy, earning more than a billion dollars in export revenue and providing employment to more than 13,000 people—many of whom are indigenous—and fulfils an important role populating our north. Unfortunately frozen meat exports are simply not an alternative, as many parts of South-East Asia, particularly regional areas, do not have access to refrigeration. Further, religious customs also often determine that the processing take place in the destination country.

We must ensure that improvements to animal welfare continue to be made, particularly through the Export Supply Chain Assurance Scheme, which has strengthened the accountability and traceability mechanisms. I say to my constituents and the parliament I am committed to doing my part to ensure robust and proper standards for the treatment of animals are enforced as a matter of urgency.