Farming and industry leaders have applauded an independent report, released by Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran in Perth, which confirms Australia’s livestock export industry is vital to the Australian economy.
Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and LiveCorp commissioned the live export report titled “Value, Outlook and Contribution to Economy” from independent researchers Hassall & Associates Australia.
The report shows the live export industry generates $1.8 billion a year in gross domestic product to the economy.
The industry employs nearly 13,000 Australians (up from 9,000 in 1999), with annual wages totalling nearly $1 billion.
Cameron Hall, CEO of LiveCorp said, “This shows live exports matter to all Australians – and are growing in relevance.”
“The livelihood of every Australian sheep and cattle producer, and the communities they support, depends on the live export trade.”
“This report provides a clear snapshot of the true value and contribution the live export industry provides every Australian.”
During his presentation Mr Hall cited the real-life example of the Henwood family, who for 120 years have raised cattle in the Kimberleys and depend totally on live exports since Broome’s abattoir closed in the 1980s.
Mr Hall warned of the chaos some animal activists cause when they circulate biased propaganda about an industry they know nothing about.
“Without a strong live export market, this family and their 20 workers would have no income – not to mention the community businesses that depend on their trade,” he said.
“The noisy minority doesn’t seem to care about the hardship they cause real people like the Henwoods.
“Improving animal welfare standards is and always will be one of our top priorities in Australia and overseas.
“We need sensible, evidence-based policy, not publicity-seeking stunts from radicals.”
Another independent study (Alliance Resource Economics, Comparison of World Livestock Export Standards, released in May 2006) found Australia has the highest livestock export standards in the world when compared to 15 other major live exporting countries.
“Australia’s animal welfare standards are the highest in the world, and without our presence in the global market, no one will be able to make the changes needed to lift global animal welfare standards.
“Animal activists need to take a reality check”, Mr Hall said.
To obtain a copy of the full please visit www.mla.com.au or www.livecorp.com.au or contact LiveCorp on 02 9929 6755, or download a summary of the report.