June 13, 2011

Australian breeding animals unaffected by live exports termination

Australian cattle which are shipped overseas for dairy or breeding intentions will not be affected by a Greens and independent push to stop live exports.

The Greens' anti-live export legislation, if passed, would mean all live exports would immediately be banned.

The Independents Andrew Wilkie and Nick Xenophon bill phases out live exports over three years.

Both pieces of legislation apply only to livestock, so the live export of rock lobsters, for example, could continue.

Greens Senator Rachel Siewert said the industry has had plenty of time to act.

"What have they been doing with that investment?" She said.

"We need to ensure that MLA should have been doing much more, and the rest of the industry should have been questioning MLA."