Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Slaughtering Indonesia's cattle trust

By David Leyonhjelm - posted Tuesday, 23 August 2011


Indonesians are also no more enthusiastic about being told what to do by foreigners than Australians, and will only accept it while the Australians keep offering incentives and they have no viable alternative. The moment they have other options or the Australians stop paying, cooperation will cease.

Even before the live export ban, the beef market in Indonesia was complex. Beef importers and processors were trying to maintain imports, consumers wanted to keep prices down, local beef producers wanted to limit imports to reduce competition, and the government wanted the country to produce its own beef but also guarantee supply and keep prices down.

All this means Australia’s northern cattle industry is facing an uncertain future, with long-term reduced demand. Producers currently left with large numbers of cattle they cannot sell are unlikely to see a major rebound next year. While the Indonesians no longer trust Australia, many cattle producers no longer trust the Australian government and will not be investing in the industry.

Advertisement

After all that, the outlook for cattle welfare is not much changed. Most Australian cattle slaughtered in Indonesian abattoirs will be stunned, as they were before. Some will not, as the OIE guidelines allow. No change there either.

And, of course, levies paid by Australian beef producers will continue to be used to raise standards in Indonesian abattoirs, including greater use of stunning – as long as the Indonesians continue to buy our cattle.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All

This article was first published on Business Spectator on August 22, 2011.



Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

10 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

David Leyonhjelm is a former Senator for the Liberal Democrats.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by David Leyonhjelm

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of David Leyonhjelm
Article Tools
Comment 10 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy