The Nationals Senate team has praised the Australian Government’s common sense decision not to appeal the Federal Court’s decision in Brett Cattle Company Pty Ltd v Minister for Agriculture [2020] FCA 732.
Attorney General Christian Porter tonight (July 22) confirmed the Australian Government would not appeal this decision.
“The Nationals see the decision by Justice Rares as vindication of the argument we have put forward since 2011 on behalf of our live export industry and regional communities it supports,” Nationals Senate Leader Bridget McKenzie said.
“It was The National Party in 2011 who really fought the Labor Party’s decision which decimated this important billion-dollar industry.”
Queensland Senator Matt Canavan said the former Labor government’s rash decision to ban live cattle exports caused enormous, unnecessary pain.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. People in the live cattle industry have been waiting nine long years for justice,” Senator Canavan said.
“I welcome confirmation the Liberal and Nationals Government will not jeopardise the outcome they have won in this case.”
Queensland Senator Susan McDonald said the Gillard Labor government didn’t understand regional Australia and its industries, and that lack of understanding continues today.
“It’s impossible to put into words the hardship people suffered as a result of this ill-thought-out kneejerk ban,” Senator McDonald said.
“A very reckless Labor government banned the live cattle trade overnight with no consultation and we saw family farms and regional communities severely impacted for many, many years, not just economically but socially.”
NT Senator Sam McMahon said Labor’s 2011 live export ban served as a reminder of what to expect from any Labor Government.
“The economy of the Northern Territory is deeply dependent upon the live cattle export industry and it is positive to see this Coalition government is ending this costly, drawn out saga so this industry can focus on doing what it does best – create jobs and boost the economy,” Senator McMahon said.
NSW Senator Perin Davey concurred, saying the role of government was to support industry not ban it.
“This issue has been in and out of court rooms for far too long. Those impacted by the reckless live cattle ban finally have the issue brought to an end,” Senator Davey said.
“Live Export is not just a northern industry but a national one, we must ensure its ongoing security.”