Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I am aware of the question, because the question which I am answering is this—if those opposite have been listening for some time. But they are closed to the answer, because the answer is that the export permits now have a regulatory regime in place. When an exporter requests a permit, comes forward and can demonstrate they meet those requirements, then the permits will be issued and they will be able to use their Indonesian permits, and the trade will recommence. It is a clear process. Those opposite, of course, would want the trade to recommence without the supply chain assurance and without safeguards that animals will not be mistreated as we saw on that video on Four Corners. What those opposite are arguing for is an immediate resumption of the trade from day one, or a continuation of the trade. What this government has put in place is a supply chain assurance which demonstrates that we have tracking, transparency and independent auditing of that supply chain so that people such as Elders or Wellard, who are near ready as I am informed, can come forward to the department—to the regulator—and have the supply chain assurance conditions met. When they are met, they will then be able to recommence the trade. It is a simple proposition. It is difficult to see why the opposition do not understand that, but it is a simple proposition: as soon as Elders, Wellard or other companies want to seek an export permit— (Time expired)