The Tasmanian Liberal Government will not tolerate any actions that tarnish the world-class reputation of Tasmania’s brand, and its produce.
The recently released footage obtained from livestock processing facilities in Tasmania is deeply concerning and completely unacceptable.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jo Palmer said the Tasmanian Government was taking immediate action to ensure we see the highest standard of animal welfare across our livestock processing industry.
“We have immediately stood up an investigative team which has already hit the ground, gathering evidence, interviewing operators, and carefully reviewing all the footage against the provisions of the animal welfare act and the primary produce safety act,” Minister Palmer said.
“The Tasmanian Government is establishing a Taskforce to develop new Tasmanian standards for animal welfare in livestock-processing establishments and to look at practical and meaningful actions to ensure the wellbeing of animals.
“The Taskforce – which will be formalised before Christmas – will bring together all the key stakeholders including organisations and peak bodies such as the RSPCA, Tas Farmers (formerly the TFGA) and industry representatives.
“Resourcing of Biosecurity Tasmania will also be bolstered with two additional positions to work with industry to make sure they are aware of, and comply with, their obligations.
“The importance of abattoirs for jobs and regional communities cannot be understated, but we must demand the highest standards of animal welfare,” Minister Palmer said.
“This is what our farmers expect, it is what our community expects, and it is certainly what our Government expects.
“We have acted to protect the local, national and international reputation of our vital red meat industry.
“We will not allow the actions of some to put at risk our brand and reputation as a world leading agricultural producer, to risk jobs and livelihoods in regional communities and to create uncertainty for our farmers.”
