A NEW parliamentary report recommends the resumption of Australian sheep exports to Saudi Arabia.
The Federal Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade released the report for its inquiry on Australia’s trade and investment relationships with countries of the Middle East on Wednesday.
The Committee’s report included consideration of ongoing and potential livestock export opportunities and the impact that the implementation of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) has had on Middle Eastern markets. This includes Saudi Arabia, which does not participate in ESCAS and, as such, has not imported Australian livestock since 2012.
ALEC chief executive officer Alison Penfold said the report outlined the Committee’s recommendation for the Australian Government to explore, in conjunction with the Saudi Arabia Government, the potential to appoint an independent auditor to monitor the implementation of ESCAS to meet Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty concerns.
“Livestock exporters welcome the Parliament’s focus on re-establishing the export of Australian sheep to Saudi Arabia,” Ms Penfold said.
“Historically, the Saudi market has played a very significant role in Australia’s sheep export industry.
“Naturally, we are very keen to get that trade up and running again with the addition of commercial through-chain oversight and control of animal welfare.”
Ms Penfold hoped discussions would restart in the near future, in the context of the Memorandum of Understanding on the livestock export trade between Australia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
She said the absence of any Australian livestock, Saudi Arabia was currently importing eight million head annually from markets like the Sudan, but has indicated strong interest in a sizeable intake of Australian livestock annually.
“I’m confident a mutually acceptable solution can be found which not only respects Saudi sovereignty but is also consistent with welfare assurance requirements, international OIE animal welfare standards and Saudi Arabia’s own animal welfare laws,” Ms Penfold said.
“… it is important that we don’t overlook the importance of live exports to the Middle East. Not only is the trade a vital part of the overall success of Australia’s sheep industry, but it also helps ensure the delivery of quality sheepmeat to dinner tables of Middle Eastern families.
“The four pillars of animal welfare assurance – traceability, control, international welfare standards and independent auditing – remain as relevant and important as ever. It is because of that fact, rather than despite it, we are determined to re-enter the Saudi market.”
