Question Without Notice No. 485 asked in the Legislative Council on 28 June 2011 by Hon Lynn Maclaren
Parliament: 38 Session: 1
LIVE CATTLE TRADE — VISITS TO INDONESIA BY MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND FOOD
485. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the minister representing the Minister for Agriculture and Food:
(1) Since the minister has repeatedly stated his support for the live cattle export trade and its value to the Western Australian economy, why did he not visit any abattoirs that slaughter Australian cattle during his visit to Indonesia in April 2010?
(2) Can the minister confirm that for several years he has been repeatedly asked parliamentary questions raising concerns about the welfare of animals being exported from Western Australia?
(3) What action has the minister taken in response to these questions?
(4) Since the minister does not support lifting the requirement for pre-slaughter stunning of cattle in Western Australian abattoirs, why does he support the export of cattle to Indonesian abattoirs where such stunning is not required?
Hon ROBYN McSWEENEY replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) The purpose of the visit in April 2010 was to develop trade relations with a focus on the grains and dairy sectors.
(2) Yes.
(3) The minister has supported the transfer of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 from the Department of Local Government to the Department of Agriculture and Food. This action brings Western Australia into line with most other states. Additional resources will be applied from July 2011 to increase inspections and responses related to improved animal welfare outcomes. This includes additional funding for the RSPCA.
(4) The Western Australian government supports the resumption of the livestock export trade to Indonesia, provided appropriate industry improvements for stock handling, animal welfare and abattoir procedures are made in a timely manner. This will involve the development and implementation of protocols based on internationally recognised OIE—World Organisation for Animal Health—animal welfare standards.