Former Trade Officer To Conduct Export Review

AUSTRALIA - Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has announced that an independent review into Australia’s livestock export trade will undertaken by Mr Bill Farmer AO.

14 June 2011

2 minute read

Oceania

Minister Ludwig said Mr Farmer will undertake the independent review that was announced as part of the Government’s response to footage and evidence of animal mistreatment in Indonesia and will investigate supply chain systems used in all Australian live animal export markets.

“I have asked Mr Farmer to examine the whole live animal export supply chain from paddock to the point of slaughter for all markets that receive Australian livestock,” Minister Ludwig said.

“This review will support greater transparency across our export markets, and provide recommendations for the reform of the trade.

“The Government has two clear objectives for this review. Firstly, to ensure a system that provides appropriate welfare outcomes for Australian livestock and secondly, to provide the basis for a sustainable live export industry over the long term.

“This reform will contribute to the design and application of new safeguards for animal welfare.”

Bill Farmer AO is the former secretary of three Australian Government departments and was a senior officer with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, during which time he completed 10 diplomatic postings.

Mr Farmer was Head of Mission in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea and was also the Deputy Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations.

The terms of reference for the independent review will include:

consideration of facilities, treatment, handling and slaughter of livestock exported from Australial;
the preparation and export of livestock including responsibility for compliance and enforcement of relevant standards and;
the adequacy and effectiveness of current Australian regulatory arrangements for the live export trade.

Mr Farmer will be supported by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry while performing the review. An interim report is due to Minister Ludwig by 29 July 2011 and a final report by 31 August 2011.