The footage was pretty horrible and I think just about everyone thought it was important to stop the cattle exports but that's not the only thing it has affected. I decided I'd do some research on how these exports will affect the relationship between Australia and Indonesia.
Some Quick Facts:
Australia usually imports live cattle to around 28 countries (mostly in the Middle East) but 80% of exports go to Indonesia.
In 2009, Australia exported 954, 143 cows (remembering 80% went to Indonesia)
Australia also imports chilled meats.
For all Animal Activists, it was a great result to for the suspension of exports but the Australian government has said they will lift the ban as soon as the slaughter houses in Indonesia are up to scratch. However, several issues have come out of this. The most significant one is that Indonesia has threatened to go to the World Trade Organisation because Australia is being "discriminatory" towards them because they are the only ones banned from receiving live imports.
Also, the Animal Rights Activists want all live exports from Australia to be banned. While this might seem OK, Australia doesn't have the facilities to look after all these cattle and I'd bet there's hundreds of people in 3rd world countries eat Australian meat.
The fact is, it's very complicated. It could take it's toll on the Industry and affect hundreds of farmers and their families right across Australia.
So while it's probably a good thing for protecting our Australian Cattle, the affects are not quite so simple. Not very often is there a simple solution and there is definitely not one here. Eventually everything will work itself out....
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