Budget fails animals and exports jobs
BUDGET FAILS ANIMALS AND EXPORTS JOBS
The Federal Government will invest 11 cents for every animal exported overseas for slaughter in a dismal attempt to address the massive welfare problems ailing animals in the industry.
RSPCA Australia dismissed last night's Budget announcement as just the next installment in a series of token gestures designed to placate the community and keep the industry going for a little longer.
"The welfare concerns in this industry run so deep that this money won't even scratch the surface," said RSPCA Australia CEO Heather Neil.
"No amount of money, training or regulation can adequately address the suffering endured during long distance transport or the abysmal treatment many Australian animals face when they reach their overseas destinations.
"Time and again video evidence has exposed the brutal treatment and slaughter of Australian animals, particularly throughout the Middle East, and by people who were supposed to have been trained by Australian authorities.
"Australian animals are slaughtered overseas in a way that would never be allowed in Australia. Just so their meat can sit on supermarket shelves abroad right next to other Australian meat that was sent there in a box.
"Every animal sent overseas for slaughter represents Australian jobs sent off shore. If the Government was serious about nation-building and serious about jobs, it would be investing in expanding Australia's meat-processing capacity and marketing Australian meat overseas.
"The economic value of live animal exports is just one seventh of global meat exports and last night's token gesture for animal welfare is a telling reflection of that."
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