Live exports of cattle to Indonesia can recommence following an agreement between Australian and Indonesian officials to resume trade.
After a delegation of officials rushed to Indonesia, and high level talks took place between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and President Joko Widodo, Indonesian officials have accepted assurances that Australian cattle remain free of Lumpy Skin Disease.
Australian Livestock Exporter's Council Chair David Galvin thanked Australian and Indonesian officials for working closely together to resolve their technical differences and facilitate re-opening of the trade.
“A swift, unencumbered return to trade was always in the interests of both countries. The trade is a longstanding one that benefits both of us and I firmly believe that strong relationship meant a mutually beneficial solution would always be found.
“The Australian Government has agreed to provide ongoing assurance to their Indonesian counterparts to reiterate and confirm Australia’s freedom from LSD. ALEC supports these efforts and offers the industry’s assistance where possible.
“On behalf of the industry, ALEC would like to thank the numerous officials and experts from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry that worked extremely hard to secure this agreement.
“We would also like to thank Prime Minister Albanese and Ministers Watt and Wong for their support in achieving this outcome.”