The company at the centre of the recent live export scandal has had its livestock export licence cancelled.
The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources says cancelled the livestock export licence of Emanuel Exports, Australia's largest live sheep exporter, following a thorough investigation.
The company was under investigation after video footage showing almost 2500 sheep dead or dying en route to the Middle East last year was aired on TV show 60 Minutes.
The company's licence to export has until now been suspended ahead of the results of the investigation.
The department said it made its decision in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997, which states that it is the responsibility of each exporter to ensure it meets the clear requirements under the legislation that governs the export of livestock.
“Failure to meet these requirements significantly undermines the legislative regime and, in turn, compromises the ability of the industry to export livestock in a manner that ensures the health and welfare of livestock,” the department said in a statement.
“Cancellation of licence is a serious step and is not one taken lightly. The department is satisfied that this is the most appropriate response.”
The department said that the Australian Government supports a sustainable livestock trade and expects exporters to meet their animal health and welfare responsibilities.
The department also said it “stands ready to consider applications from exporters that meet the animal health and welfare standards required by the legislation”.
“The department is implementing a series of changes to improve the sustainability of the trade with improved animal welfare outcomes.
“This includes those changes recommended by Dr Michael McCarthy in his review of the conditions for the export of sheep to the Middle East during the northern hemisphere summer.”
