There has been a lot of drama about this lately, sparked by an episode of Four Corners investigating the treatment of Australian Cattle in Indonesian abattoirs. I didn't see it because I do not like any form of Current Affair shows. The episode started a huge debate which has now resulted in Prime Minister Julia Gillard putting a total ban on cattle exports to Indonesia. A ban that could last up to six months.
I don't agree nor disagree, I am not informed enough. However, I can't help but worry that this decision is going to cause a whole lot of pain for almost every stakeholder (other than the actual cows) in this matter. I am not completely convinced that an outright ban is the answer.
Firstly, now that thousands of cows are not being exported to Indonesia, and on such short notice. What are the farmers doing with the cows now? What about all the cows that were already at the docks, about to head off? Who is looking after them? Are they being trucked back to the farms? Are they being sold elsewhere? Do farmers have other places to take these cows or are they just going to be killed locally? If they are staying in Australia do we have the capacity to process all this extra cattle? Can our farmers afford to house and feed all this extra cattle?
Now, what about the abattoirs in Indonesia who are doing the right thing? The ones who are up to standard? An outright ban means that those guys lose out. What if Australian cattle were their only commodity? Are they going to be able to stay open for up to six months without processing anything?? What about the people who work there? Are they all going to lose their jobs now? It is quite easy for us, sitting in our houses, watching our flat screen tv's to see mistreatment of cattle and be outraged and demand that it be stopped. People in Indonesia however, are generally a lot poorer than us. Can they afford to lose their jobs? Can they afford the fact that the cost of beef in Indonesia is now going to sky rocket?
Is this really going to help fix the problems that the cattle industry has in Indonesia? Is there a solution other than this ban? Have we tried education? Can we not send a few people over to Indo and teach them a little about slaughter etiquette? Of course education may not be the problem at all, money is the more likely culprit. Can someone invest some cash into improving the standards at these abattoirs? Has this already been tried and failed?
I would love to hear your opinions on this issue
Love Carrie xoxo xxxx
Hey Caz,
ReplyDeleteI have to be honest here and say that I am probably even less informed about this issue than you are. I have actively chosen not to get involved in this whole debate - not because I don't care or anything - because I think it's important to chose your battles. I'm currently focused on the fact that our government is sending refugees (including children) to Malaysia, to be held until they are 'processed'. As I said, I'm chosing my battles.
I too would be interested to hear everyone elses options on this Cattle issue though!
There is absolutely no need for cattle to be live exported. Australian abattoirs export halal meat already. The farmers are just thinking about their own pockets. This has been going on for years. Australia needs to educate and fund the abattoirs if they want to continue live export. The conditions in which the cattle are forced to endure on their way over are deplorable nevermind what they face upon arrival. The beef is for rich westerners who holiday there eg goes to hotels and restaurants. If I wasn't on my iPhone I could reference my points for you. Aussie abattoirs hate live export. Ask G. The Howard government stopped live sheep export years ago. It's cruel and totally unnecessary. Also Four Corners can no way be lumped into the same category as other current affairs programs - they actually have real and credible journalists reporting.
ReplyDeleteThank you LMG. Yes G is someone who I wanted to ask about it because I know he'd have a lot to say.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think of the obvious solution that Australia can process the cows here then send the meat over. What an idiot! Though that still doesn't help the people working in Indonesian abattoirs.
I completely agree that education and funding is needed if live export is to continue.
I know Four Corners is not comparable to the likes of Today Tonight but I still have nil interest :(
Thanks Teags, haha yes I know all about picking your battles ;) Ever since I have been on my no judging and no swearing kick I have had to bite my tongue so much!