Govt must ‘get ahead of human tragedy’ unfolding in north
6th July, 2011
“WHILE fears are naturally growing for cattle stranded by the government ban on live exports, spare a thought for the people who live on, and are emotionally committed to, Australia’s northern cattle stations,” Leader of The Nationals Warren Truss said today.“Destocking is a decision no farmer takes willingly. It usually happens as a product of prolonged drought. Anyone who has had to shoot their stock seldom talks about it or, if they do, cannot finish without being reduced to tears. It’s not what farming is about.
“But the lack of income and uncertainty over the future, compounded by unbudgeted costs of keeping cattle watered and fed and the loss of feed for future herds, is taking a silent toll on the people who populate our north.
“Individuals, families and businesses across the north of Australia have been under immense pressure for a long time. They have endured drought, slogged through a summer of unprecedented floods and braced against cyclones.
“Our folklore tells of a harsh landscape and the extraordinary people who make it work. The resilience of our farmers and rural communities is legendary for a reason. They’re tough. Year in, year out they roll up their sleeves and make the best of whatever is thrown at them.
“Through these latest natural disasters their resilience has shone through. Not least of all because with the rains came hope – hope of a 2011 rebound from drought and debt.
“But it’s the man-made disaster engulfing them that is the hardest to take because it was avoidable and, even at this late point, is unnecessary. The live cattle export trade to Indonesia can, and must, be re-opened quickly.
“For the Australian Government to pull the rug out from under cattle producers, along with the myriad businesses and communities that rely on them, without any plan to deal with the consequences shows how out-of-touch the Gillard government is with the realities of life in regional and remote areas.
“I implore the Prime Minister to act swiftly to get ahead of the human tragedy unfolding in the north. The devastated people in the industry need real help and support. They best way to that is to get the trade moving again.
“I reiterate my call of four weeks ago. The live export trade can be responsibly re-opened within days, with cattle tagged and tracked to Indonesian feedlots, where they would stay for three months for finishing and then move only to approved abattoirs.”
[ENDS]
