As cattle producers we consider the welfare of our animals of critical importance and we are committed to improving animal welfare in all the markets we operate in.
Cattle Council does not support banning the trade to Indonesia as we believe this leads to worse outcomes overall both in Indonesia and Australia. It is clear that we must invest more to assure the welfare outcomes for our cattle.
We are committed to working with Government in a focused approach to develop and implement the type of supply chain assurance the Minister has sought for increasing level of trade.
The suspension has had drastic financial impacts on Northern beef cattle producers and their surrounding communities. We have been raising these issues with Government ongoingly, explaining that our best way to address this problem is to focus on sustainable trade with Indonesia.
We believe the measures outlined in the Australian livestock industry's solution, with appropriate Government support, will deliver the supply chain assurances and improved animal welfare outcomes the Minister is seeking.
We continue to emphasize to Government the importance of engaging at the highest level with Indonesia to address the cultural and political sensitivities. It is important that Government works with industry to carefully consider all options that are in the best interests of the animals and the people of this nation, particularly those living in rural and remote Australia.
Cattle Council is committed to securing the long-term sustainability of the live cattle trade to Indonesia and the welfare of the animals that are exported.
How can producers show their support for the trade?
We encourage beef producers to contact their local media and share their stories. We also encourage you to share your story with your local Members and Senator Ludwig to reinforce the importance of this trade to our livelihoods and Australia. We have recommended an effective way to do this here.
Farmer Review
Read Cattle Council's submission to the Farmer Review, an Independent review into LIvestock exports.
Cattle Disease Contingency Fund
The cattle industry has established a welfare contingency fund for the cattle held up in pre-export facilities as a consequence of the suspension of live cattle exports to Indonesia.
This fund will aim to ensure that there are no adverse welfare impacts for those cattle that were destined for live export but unable to be exported due to the suspension of the trade.
The Board of the Cattle Disease Contingency Fund Trust (CDCF) has approved the use of up to $5 million for the specific purpose of addressing any health and welfare issues affecting these cattle. The CDCF is an established trust fund of residual producer levies that were collected for animal health purposes, such as the eradication of bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis.
The money can be used towards the costs associated with:
• transport of animals to the nearest practical market point
• costs associated with any regulatory requirements to move the cattle
• animal husbandry costs including feed, animal health or biosecurity treatments.
Cattle owners will be urged to make every reasonable effort to move their animals from the
holding facilities as early as possible and to seek the most cost?effective options in dealing with this situation.
The owners of the affected cattle will be contacted and invited to submit applications to the
CDCF for financial assistance to ensure that the welfare of these animals is assured.
For guidelines for the provision of financial assistance, please email: cdcf@farmbiosecurity.com.au
Other information
Cattle Animal welfare contingency fund
Watch David Inall's interview with ABC television
Government partnership critical to resumption of Indonesia trade
Australian livestock export program solution
Cattle Council response to Minister's announcement and private members bill
Response to 4 Corners program
Industry’s new action plan
‘Know your facts’ on livestock exports
Frequently Asked Questions
Read more about livestock exports
