August 16, 2011

Australian cattle arrives in Indonesian abattoirs

The first boatload of Australia's cattle has returned to Indonesia yesterday (Aug 15), more than a month after the lifting of the live export ban.

About 4,100 cattle, delivered by Brisbane-based company Austrex, will be followed tomorrow by a consignment of 3,000 cattle from Elders. Another 7,000 cattle are due to be loaded on Thursday by Australia's largest exporter, Wellard, at Wyndham Port in Western Australia.

On Thursday (Aug 11), bills from Greens MP Adam Bandt for the immediate end to live exports, and one from independent Andrew Wilkie for a three-year phase-out will be voted on. Animal welfare groups yesterday called on the Prime Minister to grant a conscience vote on the issue.