Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

As I indicated in answers to the previous questions, we support a trade that is sustainable and respects animal welfare outcomes. That's why it is regulated by an independent regulator to make decisions like the one taken last week to suspend a particular exporter. But the government also supports the development of markets and trade with other countries. The government does not believe we should be directing individual farmers or agricultural producers in how they run their businesses. They are best placed to decide what markets should emerge and what will be the best for their families and households, provided they are consistent with government regulations around animal welfare. We have to get the regulations right and then we need to allow Australian farmers to be able to make a buck in this country. While I respect the opinion of Senator Rhiannon, I don't think the farmers of Western Australia, South Australia or Victoria would respect it if we let the New South Wales Greens run agricultural policy in the states.