GG 44/11
16 September 2011
WA has already exported more than 13,500 head of cattle to Indonesia in the 10 weeks since live exports resumed, WA Federal Minister Gary Gray said today.
“I’m pleased that 13,589 head of cattle have been exported out of Wyndham and Broome – where another 8,100 are also approved for export and about to be shipped,” Mr Gray said.
“All of these cattle have been exported under the new regulatory framework which means they will be moved within an exporter controlled supply chain with full traceability and treated in line with internationally accepted animal welfare guidelines.
“The temporary suspension of trade to Indonesia allowed the Government to implement a framework which ensures a sustainable long term future for this trade and ensures Australian cattle are treated in line with the standards the community expects.
“In recognition of the impact of that short suspension, the Government made available a number of avenues for assistance to producers and related industries.
“Under the Federal Government’s $30 million Live Exports Business Assistance Package, eligible businesses can access $5,000, with further grants of up to $20,000 also available.
“Access is also being provided to new working capital through subsidised interest rates on new loans of up to $300,000. There are also grants of up to $5,500 for pastoralists to seek financial advice.”
Mr Gray welcomed Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig’s call for people to phone the Australian Government Assistance Line on 1800 808 869 to discuss their eligibility for the any of the assistance measures.
Mr Gray said there had already been one report of a NW station owner applying for $5000 over the phone and receiving it in her account the next day.
“I know that the impact of the live trade suspension was widely felt – it extended to my own electorate of Brand, where Wellard Rural Exports recently resumed exports of cattle to Indonesia.
“The company is an important local employer in Brand, which takes in Kwinana, Rockingham and parts of Mandurah. I am pleased to see that the company has worked hard to ensure that animal welfare processes are not neglected in their operations.”
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