Supporting local jobs - better outcomes for all in the live exports debate

Recently there has been concern in the media about the 580 meat workers at the Stuart meat works who have had no work since mid November when the meat works closed due to a shortage of cattle. They have now been told that the works is expected to reopen on 30 March.
 
While the shortage of cattle is partly being blamed on the drought, live cattle exports are having a disproportionate negative effect on these workers, their families, not to mention the animals themselves and residents who live down-wind from the port. 

Cattle being loaded at the Cruise ship terminal

By the end of this week 21 live export ships loaded with cattle for Indonesia and Vietnam will have left Townsville. Although Labor and the LNP support this cruel trade which exports jobs and creates a stench over our CBD, the Greens have strong policies on animal welfare which include ending the export of live animals for consumption.
The Greens also want to minimise animal cruelty, and ending live exports will have a big impact on that. The way we treat animals reflects how we treat ourselves and our society. The Greens are working towards ending unnecessary animal cruelty and they need the support of the wider community, because there is none coming from the major political parties.
Of particular relevance to live exports The Australian Greens believe that:

1. Animals have intrinsic value, separate from the needs of humans, who have a responsibility to ensure that animals’ rights and welfare are respected.
2. Humans have a duty of care to minimise physical and psychological suffering of animals resulting from human activity.
3. Strong animal welfare standards are necessary.

Supporters of live exports claim the trade is essential for our economy despite ABS figures (quoted on MLA website) showing that  in 2014-2015 exports of beef and veal earned $9.04 billion while live cattle exports earned $1.4 billion.

More cattle off on their last cruise

Of further concern (as if you needed any) the live export ships all fly "flags of convenience".
 
Two boats are due this week the Sahiwal Express and the Angus Express, despite the names, they are "not so express" - cattle spend at least  a week onboard to Indonesia and longer to Vietnam.
 
You can support the Greens’ efforts by joining, volunteering or donating to the party. Locally you can look out for stalls at Willows and Cotters Market run by TALE- (Townsville Against Live Export), visit their facebook page or sign their online petition at change.org. Further information about live export can be found on the RSPCA and Animals Australia websites and both have online petitions that you can sign calling for our government to end live export.

by Jenny Brown