16th Aug 2012, 9:59 AM – Representatives Private Members' Business - Live Animal Exports - Condemn Minister's decision

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Liberal MP Warren Entsch,(Read Mr Entsch's explanation of his motion and the associated debate here. ) which means it was rejected. This motion was:

That this House:

(1) notes the profound financial impact on graziers and associated businesses by the Government's decision to ban live cattle exports to Indonesia on 7 June 2011;(Learn more about the ban on live animal exports to Indonesia on Lateline. )

(2) acknowledges that due to Government maladministration:

(a) the criteria outline in the Business Assistance Payments program offered to affected graziers and businesses contained ambiguous wording and was confusing for applicants;(Read more about this assistance program here.)

(b) Centrelink staff who advised on applications for the Business Assistance Payments program offered inaccurate advice to eligible applicants; and

(c) applicants who met the criteria missed the deadline for the program because they were misinformed about their eligibility; and

(3) condemns the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for:

(a) refusing to extend the Business Assistance Payments program to assist affected farmers and businesses who experienced financial losses as a direct result of the live export ban; and

(b) his poor handling of the issue, which has led to financial losses in the cattle industry.

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