Govt suspends second live export licence

The federal government has suspended the licence of a subsidiary of embattled live exporter Emanuel Exports, after the sister company sought to ship 60,000 sheep left stranded following the initial suspension.

The Department of Agriculture sidelined Emanuel Exports last month after it provided an unsatisfactory response to a show-cause notice.

Early this morning, the department released a statement saying it had suspended the licence of a second company.

“The suspension will remain in place pending a full review,” the statement said.

“It is not appropriate for the department to provide more information while the investigation is ongoing.

“Sheep that had been due for export remain in a registered feedlot.

“The sheep have been inspected by the department’s veterinarians; they are in good health and well-cared for.

“Arrangements for these animals remain the responsibility of the exporter.”

Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the suspension was a sensible decision.

“While the federal government should not have let this situation drag on, suspending the licence of Emanuel Exports’ sister company is the only sensible option,” she said.  

“Clearly there are serious reasons why the federal government suspended Emanuel Exports’ licence, and it would never have made sense to allow a related company to be given an export permit.

“Other exporters appear to have accepted that there is an unacceptable challenge in exporting sheep to the high heat and humidity of July and August in the Middle East.

“We hope Emanuel Exports now accepts the reality that local processing is the only option for these sheep. Local meat processors remain willing to purchase to sheep.”

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