How does the live export trade compare economically with killing the same animals in Australia?
The S G Heilbron Pty Ltd Report (commissioned by the Australian Meat Processor Corporation Limited, April 2000) entitled Impact of the Live Animal Export Sector on the Australian Meat Processing Industry included the following key points: • The live export trade could be costing Australia around $1.5 billion in lost GDP, around $270 million in household income, and around 10,500 lost jobs. • The primary factor driving the profitability of the live export trade is market distortions in favor of live animals. If it were not for these factors, the rising demand for meat in importing countries would have been met by exports of chilled and frozen meat. • The Australian Meat Industry Employee Union (AMIEU) opposes the live export trade, and estimates the live export industry has cost 12,000 meat worker’s jobs and continues to undermine the sustainability of the abattoir industry. Where to now? This vile trade has no justification whatsoever, other than to fill the coffers of the few who fina
