Agribusiness

ALP conference rejects live export ban push

Beef Central, 04/12/2011

A motion to phase out live exports from Australia has been rejected at the Australian Labor Party's annual conference today.

Labor MP Melissa Park moved a motion to phase out live exports within four years and to replace the trade with chilled or frozen exports.

She also called for pre-slaughter stunning to be made mandatory in export markets until the trade is banned.

Speakers against the motion included agricutlure minister Joe Ludwig who said once in a generation changes recently introduced would assure high animal welfare standards in live export markets in future.

Northern Territory chief minister Paul Henderson also urged delegates to support jobs in the cattle industry and vote against the motion.

"Every job in the Territory is precious, and I spoke on the debate to make sure everyone on the conference floor was acutely aware that the Territory does not support the banning of live cattle exports," Mr Henderson said.

"I made it very clear that the Territory wouldn't accept any future impositions on our cattle industry that would impact on Territory jobs.

"I was pleased to see common sense restored and the ridiculous motion thrown out and replaced with a motion supporting the cattle industry."

Ms Parke's motions were rejected by 215 votes to 173. 

An amendment motion moved by Minister Joe Ludwig supporting the cattle industry was passed.

 

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