Australia’s Department of Agriculture has initiated the second stage of the review of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL), which is open for public comment until 19 September, at 5.00 pm. These standards ensure livestock are fit for export and help manage the risks to health and welfare during the voyage.
The review is being conducted by a technical advisory committee made up of an independent chair, Mr Steve McCutcheon, and experts in animal health and welfare, regulatory design and the livestock industry.
The comprehensive review forms part of a series of measures taken by the Australian government, following an unprecedented incident involving the death of 2,400 sheep from heat stress onboard the livestock carrier ‘Awassi Express’ in August 2017.
This comprehensive ASEL review will consider relevant outcomes from the review of conditions for the export of sheep to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer by Dr Michael McCarthy. It will also address feedback from the first stage of the review and outstanding issues from the 2012-13 review of the standards.
The review will examine standards relating to sea voyages and the preparation of livestock for export. Feedback is sought on an issues paper, developed by the Technical Advisory Committee undertaking the review. The paper outlines the key areas the review will evaluate.
The review timeline has been accelerated from the end of 2019 to the end of this year. It includes:
- Release of an issues paper on the identified work plan topic and call for public submissions
- Analysis of submissions by the technical advisory committee, in consultation with the ASEL reference group as required
- Release of draft recommendations for public comment
- Delivery of a consultation report outlining the relevant issues raised by stakeholders and the committee’s considerations in reaching their final recommendations.
Livestock exporters, animal health and welfare groups, producer groups, those involved in the export chain, and interested members of the public are encouraged to submit their feedback through the ‘Have Your Say’ website by 19 September. Industry stakeholders are also encouraged to contact their representative body on the ASEL Review Reference Group to contribute to broader submissions.
The department is implementing a series of changes to improve the sustainability of the trade with improved animal welfare outcomes.
Namely, in August 2017 a footage emerged showing 2,400 sheep dying as the experienced heat stress onboard the ‘Awassi Express’. The conditions onboard the ship were far from ideal, as many of the animals were injured and sick.
In a bid to stem public anger after the footage, Australia announced it will require ships carrying live cattle and sheep exports to have an independent observer to ensure welfare standards. Moreover, the government will reduce the number of sheep a vessel can carry during the summer months by 28%.
The country will also introduce new legislation to penalise any exporter that violates these standards. Under the proposal, a director of a company could face 10 years prison or A$2.1 million fine if the welfare standards are not met.
The Technical Advisory Committee expects to release a draft report for further consultation in late-October.
