Second live export licence cancelled
Following a show cause process, the Australian Government’s Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) has cancelled the livestock export licence of a second exporter, EMS Rural Exports Pty Ltd.
EMS Rural Exports is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Emanuel Exports which had its export licence cancelled by DAWR on 21 August 2018.
In an official media statement released yesterday, DAWR advised it is considering applications from other potential exporters to the Middle East against the strict requirements of the legislation.
In addition, the department is considering some further changes to conditions that will apply to the export of sheep to the Middle East once the northern hemisphere summer has ended.
Live Export Sheep Industry Reference Group
The WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is working to support WA producers to manage the impact of these decisions and recent regulatory and market changes in the live export trade.
A dedicated live export industry reference group has been established and met for the first time this week to guide the department’s activity and ensure maximum benefit for the industry and the State.
The department is currently focussing its efforts on research, development, modelling and analysis at both the pre-farmgate and throughout the supply chain to help reduce the impact on the sheep industry in the short and medium term.
Expressions of Interest were sought to determine the membership for this industry-led group with clear Terms of Reference to provide advice to the department on initiatives to respond to the strategic challenges and opportunities within the live export sector.
The reference group is chaired by the department’s Director of Livestock Research, Development and Innovation, Bruce Mullan with executive support from sheep industry development officer Mandy Curnow.
Members include three producer representatives - Murray Hall of Brookton, John Wallace of Esperance and Steven Bolt or Corrigin, and three sheep industry representatives - Bindi Murray with Sheep Producers Australia, meat industry consultant Peter Trefort and Dean Hubbard from Elders.
The reference group will provide a valuable connection to industry though individual and joint networks, and encourage input and participation from producers and other stakeholders.
The department’s sheep team is keen to work with these highly experienced industry representatives who understand the sheep industry value chain, and the challenges and opportunities within the sector.
Review of Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL)
A review of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) by DAWR is underway. The Stage 2 Issues Paper has been released for comment. DPIRD is preparing a response to the review for submission by 14 September 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
Responses to Frequently Asked Questions on the regulation of live exports have been developed and are available on the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.