Speech: Live Animal Exports

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (15:57): I seek leave to make a short statement.

The PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute.

Senator RHIANNON: This motion misleads the Senate and should be withdrawn. The Australian Veterinary Association and the Australian Cattle Veterinarians group have distanced themselves from suggestions that they support the live export industry. They have stated in their media release:

This is not accurate. We do not support or oppose the live export industry. Rather, we emphasise that while the trade continues, high animal welfare standards should be maintained and enforced.

Senators Back and O'Sullivan have got it wrong again. Their assertion that Australia's live export trade inspires positive change in the importing countries is an absurdity. Australia sends animals to some countries with the worst animal welfare records in the world. The Greens reiterate the call to support the transition to chilled meat exports, which grows more Australian jobs and boosts our regional economies.