Macdonald slams ‘ kneejerk’ live export talk

LNP Senator Ian Macdonald has called for “sensible” live animal export policies that put “people first”.

The North Queenslandbased senator said it was possible to have the “best of both worlds” where animal and industry welfare were both met.

“The Turnbull Government could not be more serious about enforcing a major overhaul of the live sheep trade, as outlined when we accepted all 23 recommendations in the McCarthy Review,” he said.

“But we must not forget that there are hundreds of Australian farming families who are reliant on the live sheep export trade for their livelihoods.”

Senator Macdonald said the “kneejerk” reactions from other parties and independents was “exactly the sort of thing” that resulted in the “ill thought out” live cattle export ban in 2011.

“More than 1800 jobs depend on the live sheep trade and those workers simply cannot afford for another emotional debate to win out over sensibility,” he said.

Senator Macdonald said North Queensland was already suffering from “foolish thought bubbles” regarding animal policies – citing a lack of action on growing croc numbers.

“While animal welfare must be paramount, at what point will those on the loony left start to put humans first?” he said.