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.

Greens animal welfare spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said that Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce has mislead farmers and the public when he expressed surprise saying he was "disappointed" over the Indonesian government's plan to cut cattle imports from Australia.

"How could Minister Joyce be surprised and disappointed when news of the Indonesian decision has been on the public record for many years," Senator Rhiannon said.

Senator RHIANNON (New South Wales) (18:24): I rise to speak on the Biosecurity Bill 2014 and four separate but related bills. My colleague senator Rachel Siewert has set out in a detailed way why this bill does need to be supported but it needs to be strengthened to gain that support. The majority committee report has a number of very useful recommendations regarding the bill, and the Greens amendments detail why we need to protect our environment, our industry and our economy. Biosecurity issues go to the very fabric of society. They are just so important.

Senator RHIANNON: Which countries currently import kangaroo products?

Dr V Findlay : There are 68 countries. Just let me find my list, but I am not sure you want me to read out all 68.

Senator RHIANNON: No, I do not want you to read them out. Could you take it on notice, and could it include what kangaroo product is imported, the weight of the imports for each of those products and the financial value of each product, and could that be since June 2013?

Dr V Findlay : Yes, we have that information available.

Liberal Senator Chris Back's bill to prosecute whistleblowers who expose animal cruelty should not be passed as it would restrict the important role of whistleblowers and investigators working to end animal cruelty, Greens animal welfare spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said.

"Undercover investigators play an important role exposing abuse of animals which, in many cases leads to prosecutions.

"The reframing of such actions as ‘criminal' by Senator Back attempts to divert attention from those who commit the animal cruelty.

The Greens are campaigning to stop the threatened cuts to the ABC and SBS which ABC Managing Director Mark Scott says will not spare the rural sector.

The Australian Greens said today they are shocked that the Federal Government's Agricultural Competitiveness Green Paper doesn’t address climate change, one of the biggest threats posed to the future of Australia’s agriculture and rural communities.

Senator RHIANNON: I am interested in what you see as the cause of low cattle prices.

Senator RHIANNON: Recent developments are showing that there is a lack of consequences for exporters, such as Livestock Shipping Services, who fail in their duty of care towards livestock. How do you explain the lack of serious consequences for exporters, such as LSS, who have been investigated for fraud and ongoing welfare issues?