Media statement: Statement on Indonesian decision to resume live export trade

I welcome today’s announcement that Indonesia will lift its suspension of Australian live cattle and buffalo exports, with immediate effect.

This means the live cattle and buffalo export trade from Australia to Indonesia can now resume.

The announcement is testament to our calm and considered approach in response to this issue.

We have always maintained that Australia is free of Lumpy Skin Disease, demonstrated by the results of extensive testing undertaken across Northern Australia.

I want to thank everyone who played their part in getting this resolution, including the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and their departmental officials.

I particularly want to thank DAFF officials for their ongoing hard work on this matter, particularly the delegation that went to Jakarta led by the Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Beth Cookson.

I thank industry for their patience and co-operation throughout this time.

And I thank our friends in Indonesia for their assistance to resolve this issue, so that this mutually beneficial trade can now resume.