Botched handling of live exports kills industry to Indonesia
16-December-2011
Reports that the Indonesia Government will cut the amount of beef imports from Australia next year will hit Australian cattle producers hard, Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton stated.
The Indonesian Government has confirmed that from next year Indonesia will only import approximately 280,000 head of Australian cattle, down from the 520,000 permits that were granted this year.
Mr Coulton said the Gillard Government’s botched handling of live exports to Indonesia is largely to blame.
“The Prime Minister has no one to blame but herself and her inept Government. The inappropriate actions of her Government after the Four Corners program aired were drastic and unmeasured,” Mr Coulton said. “We are now seeing the full extent of their mismanagement as the Indonesian government announces they are moving towards self-sufficiency.”
“This news will be a devastating blow to northern cattle producers as they are slowly trying to piece back together their businesses after the Government’s decision to halt all exports to Indonesia earlier this year.”
“The Government needs to understand that this will have a resounding affect on all Australian cattle producers as the impact of more livestock will negatively influence all markets right across the country.”
“I would encourage the Minister for Agriculture to work with the Indonesian Government to ensure our exports continue.”
“It is unreasonable that Australian cattle producers should be punished for a mistake the Government made in haste due to influence from the Greens.”