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Monday, 19 September 2011
Page: 10602

Mrs GRIGGS (Solomon) (10:36): I rise this morning to lodge a petition on behalf of Karryne Lake, who is a constituent of mine. Karryne's petition draws the attention of the House and of the people of Australia to the fact that Northern Territorians do indeed abhor the appalling treatment of our livestock in rogue Indonesian abattoirs. However, the blanket ban imposed by the Gillard Labor government has had a significant impact on the Northern Territory's economy. It is an industry worth over $300 million a year and the ban has severely impacted businesses and families—families like Karryne's. While the trade has restarted, the impact is still being felt across Northern Australia. Karryne has asked me as her representative to remind the House that Territory families are still suffering as a result of the knee-jerk reaction by the Gillard Labor government to ban live exports. Everyone accepts that animal cruelty is wrong. However, blanket banning Australian animals from being exported to Indonesia will not stop the cruelty. If we turn our backs on the trade, we lose our position to negotiate and resolve the issue. My petition has been through the committee and I would like to lodge it.

The petition read as follows—

To the Honourable The Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives

This petition of...

Certain citizens of Australia

Draws to the attention of the House:

The opposition to the Commonwealth Government's blanket ban on live cattle export to Indonesia.

We therefore ask the House to:

Abhor the appalling treatment of Territory livestock in rogue Indonesian abattoirs as seen on the ABC's Four Corners program but oppose the Commonwealth Government's blanket ban on live cattle which will cost the Territory economy over $300 million a year, slash jobs and devastate families and businesses.

from 2,133 citizens

Petition received.

Mrs GRIGGS: On another matter, I would like to bring to the attention of the House, the fantastic win by Territory Thunder against Queensland's Morningside yesterday. It was a 98-point win, which will be forever recorded in the history books as the highest winning grand final margin in Queensland's history. The final score was Territory Thunder 26.22.178, to Morningside's 12.8.80. One supporter said to me, 'Natasha, Morningside was thunderstruck!' Well, I have to agree. It was really wonderful just to see so many supportive Territorians travel to witness history in the making. Jake Dignan was awarded the Joe Grant medal for the grand final best on field; Darren Ewing was the highest goal kicker for the season; and Thunder captain Cameron Ilett was awarded the Grogan medal. The win was also great for Will Farrer, who celebrated his 21st birthday yesterday. He had a fantastic day kicking some great goals and also displaying his marking capability. We all know Andrew Mcleod was a legend in the Crows but he has been even better in the Territory Thunder and it was great watching the game with his dad, Jock. He was as proud as punch, just like the rest of us. We cannot forget coach Murray Taylor, who did a great job. No-one can deny what an absolutely fantastic job he did. Well done to Territory Thunder. You did us proud.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER ( Hon. Peter Slipper ): And I am quite sure that there is a standing order somewhere that would prevent me from making a comment on that result!