News

Investigation underway into Animals Australia report

Australian exporters of cattle to Indonesia are reviewing their supply chains, following a complaint to the regulator alleging non-compliant slaughter of Australian cattle in Indonesia.

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) advised exporters last Friday they had received a non-compliance report from Animals Australia and are now investigating. The Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) has been in contact with the department and will assist with the investigation. Exporters, importers, and in market teams are verifying how any breaches could have occurred within the two facilities involved to ascertain the facts.

ALEC CEO Mark Harvey-Sutton says, “The video footage of the non-compliant slaughter is distressing, unacceptable and not appropriate treatment of Australian livestock.

“Exporters take any breach of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) extremely seriously and have been reviewing the footage and all the information provided by the regulator to address these allegations.

Exporters have genuine care for the livestock in their supply chains, they act quickly to investigate working closely with importers and in market teams.

“The industry is regulated and there are systems in place to make any necessary decisions to stop future non-compliance.

“Under ESCAS exporters can identify breaches and if necessary, remove offending facilities from their supply chains.

“Never has the maintenance of international trade been more important and to show respect for our longstanding relationship with Indonesia and our producers.”

Media

Annie Frisch

Communications and Media Director 

Mobile: 0476 844 886