The longer the Federal Government’s live export ban to Indonesia stays in place, the more devastating its impact will be, the Northern Territory Cattleman’s Association has warned.

The NTCA is supporting moves to introduce a closed system in Indonesia that will guarantee all Australian animals receive acceptable levels of treatment in the market.

However it says rapid action in Indonesia by the Federal Government to accredit systems that already meet Australian standards as quickly as possible is vital.

The ripple effects of the suspension would pervade the cattle markets of southern and eastern Australia and drive prices down, NTCA president Rohan Sullivan said.

Beyond the estimated 12,000 cattle in holding facilities near northern ports, tens of thousands of additional cattle were also caught in limbo along the path from property to market.

“This is not to mention the hundreds of thousands of head in paddocks, currently, or about to be mustered and awaiting weaning, and the sale cattle which need to be removed to preserve pasture reserves,” Mr Sullivan said.

“A switch has been flicked and we are now entering dangerous territory.”

After only 24 hours the suspension decision had already cut “deep and fast” into the lives and businesses of producers, contractors, agents, product suppliers, exporters and their families, he said yesterday.

“While we have been focussed on the welfare of our animals, we must now expand focus to the welfare and well-being of our families, regional communities and industry.”

The suspension would also have a devastating effect on Indonesian families who relied upon work in the live cattle import industry.