Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian government recognises that the live animal export industry is a major economic contributor and employer in rural and regional Australia. This is the latest misguided attempt by the Australian Greens to call on the government to interfere with the decision of an independent regulator. The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, as the independent regulator, has made this decision with the full consideration of the welfare of the animals in mind. It's incumbent upon the government to accept the independent umpire's decision.