FEDERAL Agriculture and Water Resources Minister David Littleproud has announced three new measures in response to last night’s 60 Minutes program that exposed issues with sheep welfare on board live export shipments to the Middle East.
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Mr Littleproud said he was concerned that a mortality report he received recently from the independent regulator - the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources - did not accurately reflect the conditions seen in the vision shown on the current affairs program, regarding the Emanuel Exports shipment from 2017 where 2400 sheep died.
Mr Littleproud announced:
* A review into investigative capability, powers and culture of the independent regulator
* A number to allow whistle-blowers to anonymously call and provide information
* An intention to work with the Labor Party to increase penalties for those doing the wrong thing, through a Bill currently before parliament.
Mr Littleproud said he’d personally like to see company directors be held more personally accountable for doing the wrong thing, like “facing big fines and possible jail time”.
“They shouldn't be able to hide behind companies and shelf companies,” he said.
“I want to let the light shine in.
“No-one who is doing the right thing should be scared of transparency.”
Mr Littleproud said he thanked the whistle-blower for coming forward – who supplied the video footage to Animals Australia which was used for last night’s joint-investigation with 60 Minutes.
“We need more of it,” he said.
“A hotline for whistle-blowers to call anonymously is a logical step to increase transparency and encourage that behaviour.
“I said I'd aim to create an environment where whistle-blowers are comfortable and confident stepping forward and a hotline is a start.
“I'll consult further with Animals Australia and the RSPCA, both of whom I've been in contact with, to help strengthen this.
“A review into the independent regulator is a good thing.
“We need to make sure the regulator has the right tools, training and culture to make sure exporters do the right thing.
“This requires prosecutions and heavy penalties where breaches occur.
“Regarding the ship scheduled to leave Fremantle for the Middle East in the next couple of days, conditions required of the exporter are a matter for the independent regulator, although personally I'm pleased with the idea an independent observer paid for by the regulator will be on board sending back daily reports and photographs.”