Live Animal Export

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI (Leader of the Opposition) (14:21): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development regarding live animal exports.

Leave granted.

The Hon. N.J. CENTOFANTI: On Tuesday this week, in response to a question from the Hon. Tammy Franks on this matter, the minister responded:

The issue, of course, impacts on the livestock industry and therefore regional development and primary industries, but it is also a matter of animal welfare.

My questions to the minister are:

1. What conversations have you had with the Minister for Environment and Water regarding the federal Labor government's commitment to ban live sheep exports?

2. Have you had discussions with the Minister for Environment and Water about what suggestions your government will be making to the federal Labor government as it moves to ban live exports?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:22): I thank the Leader of the Opposition for, I think, quoting me accurately from Hansard. Indeed, I did say that we are a team and we work closely together. Members will be aware that of course the federal Labor government was elected only a short time ago. I have had a letter prepared to the federal minister in which I have referred to a number of matters which I think are very important to address.

When I have a response from the minister—I am hoping to be able to meet with him in the relatively near future—obviously all of those matters will be canvassed. Whilst live exports fall under animal welfare legislation in a state purpose, in terms of animal welfare they fall under the role of the Minister for Environment and Water, and I am sure we will continue to have conversations about these and many other matters.