(1)   What is the contribution to the Australian economy of the meat processing industry in respect of the processing of (a) sheep and (b) beef, in terms of (i) the value of product and (ii) contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP).

(2)   Did the export of live sheep to Saudi Arabia cease in August, September and October 2003; if so (a) was any research conducted into the effect of cessation upon the price of sheep in Western Australia and; if so, (b) what did that research reveal.

(3)   For the financial years 2004-05 and 2005-06, what was (a) the average gross unit value, in terms of price per kilogram of carcass weight, of lamb sold in Australia for meat processing and (b) the gross unit value, in terms of price per kilogram carcass weight equivalent, of sheep sold in Australia for processing into mutton.

(4)   What is the level of spare processing capacity in abattoirs in Western Australia and South Australia.

(5)   Has any research been conducted into the potential impacts of the cessation of the live sheep trade; if so: (a) how many additional sheep would be available for processing at abattoirs in Western Australia and South Australia; (b) what would be the effect on sheep prices obtainable by farmers of the influx into the market of additional sheep; (c) what would be the value of the meat processed from those sheep; and (d) what would be the effect of the additional meat processing on (i) GDP and (ii) employment.

(6)   Will he provide a detailed breakdown of the expenditure of government funding in the Middle East to improve animal welfare for those animals exported from Australia for slaughter.

(7)   Has the Government undertaken a review of animal handling, holding and slaughter facilities in livestock importing countries in the Middle East; if so, will he table that report.

(1)   The latest census done for the meat processing industry was completed in the 2003-2004 financial year. These figures indicated that the meat processing industry contributed $10,034 million dollars to the economy as sales and service income, with a total net value-added contribution of $1,658 million. The available data does not distinguish between the beef and sheep components of the economic contributions of the meat processing industry.

(2)   Yes

(a)   No

(b)   N/A

(3)   The figures on Gross Unit Value are listed in table 2. Table 2: Gross Unit Value or Prices of Farm Products:

(4)   The department does not hold data on spare processing capacity of abattoirs in Western Australia and South Australia.

(5)   No

(6)   The Government has funded projects in the Middle East, and other regions, to improve animal welfare and handling in key markets. This has included funding commitments under bilateral agreements on live animal trade (Memoranda of Understanding, MOUs) signed with trading partners in the Middle East. These MOUs ensure animal welfare concerns associated with delays in unloading live animals are mitigated. The projects funded by the International Agricultural Cooperation - Live Animal Trade Programme were reported in the DAFF Annual report 2005-06, pages 351-352.

(7)   The Government has engaged an international consultant to undertake a stocktake of feedlot and animal handling facilities in the Middle East region to support Australia’s efforts to assess and manage post-arrival animal welfare risks in Middle East countries that import Australian livestock. We have not yet received a report.