On 16 June 2011, the Senate moved that the following matters be referred to the Rural Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 25 August 2011:
1. Investigate and report into the role and effectiveness of Government, Meat and Livestock Australia, Livecorp and relevant industry bodies in improving animal welfare standards in Australia's live export markets, including:
a) The level, nature and effectiveness of expenditure and efforts to promote or improve animal welfare standards with respect to all Australian live export market countries;
i) expenditure and efforts on marketing and promoting live export to Australian producers;
ii) ongoing monitoring of the subscription to, and practise of, animal welfare standards in all live export market countries;
iii) actions to improve animal welfare outcomes in all other live export market countries and the evidence base for these actions.
b) The extent of knowledge of animal welfare practices in Australia's live export markets including:
i) formal and informal monitoring and reporting structures;
ii) formal and informal processes for reporting and addressing poor animal welfare practices.
2. Investigate and report on the domestic economic impact of the live export trade within Australia including:
a) Impact on regional and remote employment especially in northern Australia;
b) Impact and role of the industry on local livestock production and prices;
c) Impact on the processing of live stock within Australia.
3. Other related matters.
For further information, contact: Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Rural Affairs and Transport
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia