The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, will introduce into the Federal Parliament the Live Animal Export Prohibition (Ending Cruelty) Bill 2014 at approximately 10.20am this morning.
The Bill would put an end to live animal exports from Australia from 1 July 2017 and put in place improved animal welfare safeguards in the interim.
This is Mr Wilkie’s fourth legislative attempt to restrict live exports but up until now the Liberal and Labor parties have insisted on supporting the cruel trade.
“The only explanation is the major parties simply don’t care that the trade is systematically cruel, not in Australia’s economic self-interest and that the trade lacks public support,’’ Mr Wilkie said.
“It seems each week shocking new evidence of cruelty emerges from Australia’s live export industry. It’s beyond time to act to end the cruelty.’’
To watch proceedings live please visit http://www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament
