Posted by Rita Mu
At least 1000 workers could lose their jobs as a result of the live cattle export ban to Indonesia, with the majority of affected workers expected to come from Western Australia.
According to The Australian, the West Australian government said about 800 jobs had been affected by the ban, and internal federal government advice suggests at least 1000 would be lost if the suspension remained for a year.
Western Australian Agriculture Minister Terry Redman told The Australian the ban would cost the state’s economy $170 million.
The Federal Government put in place the six-month ban on 8 June after footage shown on ABC’s Four Corners program, revealing mistreatment of the animals in Indonesian abattoirs, sparked outrage by the public and animal activist groups.
Agriculture Minister Senator Joe Ludwig announced on Monday a $3 million compensation package would be provided to workers affected by the live cattle export ban.
ABC News Online reported today that a separate $5 million package will be paid by The Board of the Cattle Disease Contingency Fund Trust to feed and water livestock affected by the suspension.
The Federal Government originally requested Meat and Livestock Australia to tap into its contingency funds to compensate the industry, however the company refused.
The Board of the Cattle Disease Contingency Fund Trust is made up by Animal Health Australia, Cattle Council and the Australian Lot Feeders Association.
Image: ntnews.com.au