June 16, 2011

 

 

 

The Western Australian Premier, Colin Barnett, has expressed his intention to bypass the federal government in an attempt to remove the temporary prohibition of live cattle exports to Indonesia.

 

Exports have been banned for up to six months after footage of severe animal cruelty was aired on the ABC.

 

The Barnett Government has condemned the cruelty, but said the best way to change practices in Indonesia is by participating in the trade.

 

Barnett said that the federal government has dropped the ball on this issue.

 

"I regard anything that affects Western Australia as my issue," he said.

 

"We are going to take direct measures. You know the federal minister has not gone to Indonesia and Terry Redman (WA Agriculture Minister) is going to go there so we are going to make sure we keep that communication going.

 

"We are not going to lie down and allow the federal government to have a six month review while the industry collapses."