Coalition-Labor back animal cruelty - Govt vet alleged removal exposes latest live export scandal

The alleged removal of a senior live export veterinarian from her job with the Department of Agriculture reveals the level of control the live export industry has over the Turnbull-Joyce government, Greens animal welfare spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said.

The ABC's 7.30 report "Vet removed for exposing appalling conditions on live export ships" was screened last night.

"The live export industry is out of control and should be closed down," Senator Rhiannon said.

"Live exports is a protected industry with the Liberals, Nationals and Labor working together to ensure businesses continue to profit despite extreme animal cruelty and suffering.

"Live export vet Dr Lynn Simpson's written and photographic evidence to the 2103 review into the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock revealed a litany of horrors systemically suffered by animals on board live export ships.

"As the onboard vet for 57 long haul live export voyages Dr Simpson's eyewitness accounts provided sufficient evidence to end the live export trade.

"The conflicted personal relationships the Liberal and National party Ministers have with the live export trade extends to Labor. Previous Labor leader Simon Crean became the current Chair of the Australian Livestock Exporters' Council in 2014, straight after he left politics in 2013.

"The Greens will continue to work to end the live export trade. Our five point plan identifies the key issues that will allow producers to transition away from the cruel live export trade and expand into the domestic meat processing sector," Senator Rhiannon added.

Next Wednesday Senator Rhiannon will visit Tamworth with representatives of Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union and local Greens candidate Mercurius Goldstein for the campaign to increase local jobs by expanding the boxed, chilled overseas trade.

Contact - Freya Newman 0411 669 022