Julie Bishop - Member for Curtin

Fallout from live cattle ban

Details

Published on Friday, 16 December 2011 05:58

The consequences of the Prime Minister's panicked decision in June to impose a ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia have now become clear, with Australia suffering reduced access to the Indonesian market.

It is apparent that Indonesia no longer regards Australia as a reliable supplier of cattle and beef with the government's decision today to reduce its reliance on Australian exports.

This is devastating news for cattle producers in Northern Australia.

The Indonesian Government was justifiably offended when the Gillard Government's ban on live cattle exports was imposed in June without consultation and without any official investigation into practices within Indonesian abattoirs.

Julia Gillard panicked in response to a campaign sparked by video footage recorded by animal rights activists and made no attempt at further investigation.

Incredibly, the Prime Minister failed to consult with her Foreign Minister before making her disastrous decision.

It was also reported at the time that Indonesian officials first learned of the ban through media reports, rather than directly from the Australian Government.

The damage to our relationship with Indonesia was considerable and has clearly contributed to this decision to reduce reliance on Australian exports.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd and Trade Minister Craig Emerson must make repairing the relationship with Indonesia one of their highest priorities, and every effort must be made to restore the reputation of Australia as a reliable exporter.