James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

It is inappropriate for the Senate to express a view on an ongoing investigation by an independent regulator. Exporters are responsible for ensuring they meet the animal welfare requirements under Commonwealth and state law. Options and next steps for the sheep and the farmers contracted to the company are a matter for the company concerned. The Australian government provides a range of assistant measures to Western Australian farmers and farm businesses experiencing hardship, including farm household allowance to eligible farmers, access to rural financial counselling, and social and community support. The coalition government supports a sustainable live sheep trade which has regard to animal welfare outcomes and recognises the positive economic contribution that it and the red meat industry deliver to the nation, to local communities and to rural families at the farm gate. The export of livestock overseas increases livestock prices across the entire Australian red meat industry and increases returns to livestock producers and their communities.