Live exporters MUST step up to the plate

FEDERAL Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson is urging Australia’s live exporters to step up and take on an export permit to ship 60,000 sheep from Baldivis to their markets in the Middle East.

 

Mr Wilson said he felt the current stalemate situation had gone on for far too long and was concerned the current suspension of Emmanuel Exports was having an unnecessary detrimental effect on the industry.

 

“First of all, I would like to clarify that the live export market in Western Australia remains open,” Mr Wilson said.

“And the fact is, that the opportunity exisits for any Australian exporter who complies with the regulations to export these sheep,” he said.

“We have significant markets in the Middle East and those customers have every right to expect Australia to honour its commitments to those markets.

The 60,000 sheep, which are currently situated in a registered feedlot under the responsibility of the exporter, have been reported as being in good health by veterinarians employed by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.

“These sheep have to go to their designated markets; they can’t stay where they are and they can’t be processed in WA.,” Mr Wilson said.

 

“They are blocking the system and making life tough for everyone involved,” Mr Wilson said.

 

“There have been reports that Emmanuel’s sister company EMS Rural Exports will be issued with a permit to ship the sheep.

 

“However, because Emmanuel’s is currently under investigation, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources made the decision to also suspend EMS.

 

The issuing of export permits and related matters are a matter for the independent regulator and the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has no power to intervene.