Securing the future of the livestock export trade

What's new?

5 November 2012: Statement regarding ABC Four Corners program
29 September 2012: Update on state of sheep being held in Pakistan feedlot
27 September 2012: Update on state of sheep being held in Pakistan feedlot
24 September 2012: Update on state of sheep being held in Pakistan feedlot
24 September 2012: Western Australia and South Australia exporters granted approval to export sheep and cattle to Middle East
19 September 2012: Update on information regarding sheep exports to Pakistan
18 September 2012: Updated Statement on Sheep Exports to Pakistan
18 May 2012: Footage investigation report released
8 March 2012: Approved Supply Chain Improvements Program applications are now open
1 March 2012: Investigation into alleged breaches of animal welfare
29 February 2012: Commencement of the new orders giving effect to the new regulatory framework for livestock exports
28 February 2012: Submissions on the orders giving effect to the new regulatory framework for livestock exports
24 February 2012: Media statement on alleged animal welfare concerns at two Indonesian abattoirs
3 January 2012: Orders giving effect to the new regulatory framework for livestock exports
21 October 2011: Gillard Government reforms live export trade
18 October 2011: Australian exporters take to new regulatory framework in droves
6 September 2011: Live export assistance
24 August 2011: Chief Vet completes assessment of cattle restraint boxes
24 August 2011: Minister welcomes Chief Vet's report
21 August 2011: Sheep unloaded off live export ship Al Messilah
18 August 2011: Al Messilah sheep welfare ensured
18 August 2011: Ministerial statement about new video footage

About the industry

The livestock export industry is an important part of Australia's vibrant and growing pastoral industry-it earned $1.012 billion in 2010 and it underpins the employment of around 10,000 people in rural and regional Australia.

Australia leads the world in animal welfare practices. The Australian Government does not tolerate cruelty towards animals and will not compromise on animal welfare standards. Our ongoing involvement in the livestock export trade provides an opportunity to influence animal welfare conditions in importing countries.

More about the industry...