Live Sheep Exports To Saudi Arabia

[icyfroth]

THE federal government wants to restart the live export trade with Saudi Arabia even though the Islamic country is refusing to sign up to tough animal welfare standards.

Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce says restarting the live sheep trade with Saudi Arabia could be worth $100 million a year.

The country was once one of Australia's biggest markets, but local producers have been replaced by cheaper competition from Africa and Pakistan.

A sticking point in negotiations is Australia's tough animal husbandry standards, which Saudi Arabia won't sign up to.

The Saudis have complained the regulations compromise their sovereignty, Mr Joyce said.

He would not say if the government was willing to circumvent the animal welfare system.

"I will be doing everything in my endeavours to see if there is a place where we can both land, where both sides are happy ... and we can get the trade going again," he told ABC radio on Monday.

"I think it is a bit of a statement to say that the home of the Islamic faith, which is Saudi Arabia, are not capable of the humane treatment of animals."

From Here

Really, Mr Joyce?

[debra9275]

and then there's this story Icy, which I came accross a couple of weeks ago, and I think the intention of that is to get around the animal welfare standards

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2014/04/15/australia-invest-cattle-breeding-business-aceh.html

as you know, I don't agree with any of it

[icyfroth]

Same here, Deb, it's sickening.

[debra9275]

unfortunately, it's all about the money

[icyfroth]

the thing is, I understand all about the money. I know we need exports and trade, it's an economy thing.

I still don't know why, in this day and age we can't slaughter here and send the meat overseas.

And don't tell me it's because they don't have refrigerators.

If they can afford big shopping malls and great big luxury hotels they can afford refrigerators.

[debra9275]

same here. NZ don't do live animal export and I know that Indonesia accepts frozen meat from them, so why not us??

[jenni200011]

Live animals sent in suffering conditions all that way its appalling...surely we have enough australians here eating meat to keep our lamb & beef here on our soils...If those in other countries are so  badly wanting our produce then something must be put into place that they do so only on our terms and condition's or it just doesnt happen....full stop no if's & butts about it and No body else should be allowed to farm from me and export either under thier own rules...