On 31 July 2013 the Minister for Agriculture Joel Fitzgibbon announced that if elected a Rudd Government will establish “a new independent position to review and audit Australia’s live animal export trade processes and systems to strengthen our animal welfare assurance system”. 

Download The Greens 2013 Animal Welfare leaflet

A government report released today into the brutal killing of 20,000 Australian sheep in Pakistan last year which has failed to hold anyone accountable, is another damning example of how the government continues to fail animals in the live export trade.

Commenting on the Rudd government’s plan to increase live cattle exports to Indonesia, Greens animal welfare spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said Labor is out of touch with the majority of Australians who support an end to the export trade in live animals.

“Labor might think they have placated some angry pastoralists with their decision to boost live cattle exports but they are out of step with the majority of Australians who want to see an end to this cruel trade,” Senator Rhiannon said. 

The circus is coming to town – in this case to the Sydney suburb of Rockdale. But there is no excitement in the air with this visit as this Circus – Stardust - still insist on using animals in their shows.

The Australian Greens have called on the Minister for Agriculture to fast-track the long overdue review of the Poultry National Model Code of Practice, following a Federal Court decision that Steggles producer Baiada was guilty of misleading claims that its chickens were 'free to roam' despite cramped living conditions.

"Successive Agriculture Ministers have dragged their feet for seven years on the review of the Poultry Model Code of Practice", said Greens animal welfare spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon.

Labor has backed away from its policy of an Office of Animal Welfare by refusing to back a Private Members Bill moved by Greens Deputy Leader Adam Bandt MP.  The bill would implement an ALP National Conference resolution to establish an office made over two and a half years ago.

Speaking in the House of Representatives this morning, Labor members said they would not back the bill despite Labor policy supporting an office and a backbench push in caucus on the issue.

Voice for Animals (Independent Office of Animal Welfare) Bill 2013, Second Reading, Monday 3 June 2013

Federation Chamber

Mr BANDT (Melbourne) (11:01): I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

To ensure that as many as others as possible can contribute to this debate, I refer to the comments made during my introductory speech.

Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON NOTICE
Additional Estimates February 2013
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Question: 64
Division/Agency: Biosecurity Animal Division
Topic: Greyhounds
Proof Hansard page: Written
Senator RHIANNON asked:
1. In a letter to Humane Society International regarding export of greyhounds to Macau, the Minister stated that the Australian Government will continue to request updates on Macau's progress to introduce animal welfare legislation.