Live sheep trade exploring all options to fight export ban in Australia

AUSTRALIA’S live sheep export sector is prepared to fight the Federal Government in the courts to maintain the trade, according to exporter leader Mark Harvey-Sutton. The Australian Livestock Exporters Council chief executive officer told Sheep Central the industry is exploring all options to fight the government’s intention to phase the trade out. “We will fight this policy whatever it takes and won’t rule out any options,” he said when asked if court action similar to that which ended the Indonesian cattle export ban should be considered. When asked if the closed loop defense used to continue the cattle trade could be used by the sheep trade, Mr Harvey-Sutton said the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System is in place in all live export sheep markets. “It’s a requirement and also an industry commitment and has had a demonstrable impact on animal welfare,” he said. Mr Harvey Sutton’s comments come after ALEC led a delegation of peak industry bodies in a letter to Federal ...