Fitzgibbon signs up for live ex forum appearance

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Joel Fitzgibbon has agreed to present Labor’s case for such an office at the key annual live export industry event, LiveEXforum 2016, on Thursday, and to then sit on a panel discussion on what regulation should look like for the trade.

Other panelists will include the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s agriculture commissioner Mick Keogh and agribusiness litigator and industry adviser Dr Michael Maxwell.

It could well be a fiery showdown, given the sentiment in the industry for cutting out, rather than adding to, the bureaucratic load and the passion in Labor ranks - and arguably the wider community - for more transparency and accountability in the live trade game.  

Mr Fitzgibbon is also expected to outline his government’s argument for a top-to-bottom review the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS).

He has been a strong advocator for quarterly reports on the industry.

“I still believe broader community support for the sector could be achieved by quarterly ministerial reports to Parliament  outlining the sector's economic contribution over the period, any problems which may have emerged and, importantly, action taken to address them,” Mr Fitzgibbon wrote in a posting on his website.

He acknowledged the value of the trade to both Australia and Indonesia, saying that was “quantifiable in both economic and social terms” and said “we should not fear greater transparency in a sector which has made huge strides since the 2011 trade suspension.”

In other postings, Mr Fitzgibbon said events like the recent revelations of unacceptable cattle slaughter in Vietnam continued to damage public confidence in live exports.

Without a swift and comprehensive response from government, the sector would struggle to secure the level of community supported it needed to remain successful, he said.

Many live cattle trade suppliers and exporters, however, believe Labor’s animal welfare policy would burden the supply chain, including consumers, with ineffective and highly costly red tape.

Farmers groups have also argued the plan is built on the fallacy the government was best placed to lead improvements in animal welfare.

There has been widespread welcoming of Mr Ftizgibbon’s willingness to openly engage with the sector at what is effectively its party.

Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council chief executive officer Simon Westaway said livestock exporters were keen participants in the debate about what constitutes the right balance in terms of regulatory reform.

“We value Mr Fitzgibbon’s perspective and are very grateful that he has accepted the invitation to discuss the Labor Party’s livestock export and animal welfare policies,” Mr Westaway said.

“Furthermore, we applaud Mr Fitzgibbon for the pro-active approach he is applying to his shadow portfolio responsibilities, which has included an Indonesian supply chain tour late last year.”

The shape and pace of future industry reform is to be the central narrative at LIVEXforum 2016, which has a jam-packed agenda throughout Wednesday and Thursday.

It’s theme is ‘Striking the Social Balance: Regulation, Accountability and Profitability’.

“The LIVEXforum 2016 program reflects our industry’s commitment to ongoing reform and reinforcing our reputation as a global leader in all facets of the livestock export supply chain,” Mr Westaway said.