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Cattle farmers brace for execution fallout

Brad ThompsonThe West Australian
Cattle farmers brace for execution fallout
Camera IconCattle farmers brace for execution fallout Credit: The West Australian

Cattle producers in WA's north are bracing for any impact on trade from the executions.

Yeeda Pastoral Company chief executive Jack Burton said yesterday that the industry was anxious after being devastated by Canberra's decision to impose a snap ban on live exports to Indonesia in 2011.

"We are holding our breath and just hope we are not used as the price of Australia's conscience," he said. "The last time Australia felt bad all of our businesses suffered."

Mr Burton was referring to cattle producers being caught in the crossfire between Canberra and Jakarta after the 2011 ban the Labor government imposed over animal welfare concerns in Indonesian abattoirs.

Indonesia responded to the short-lived ban by drastically cutting import quotas and stepping up efforts to become a self- sufficient beef producer.

Indonesia has issued permits for the delivery of 273,000 head of cattle in the three months to the end of June, with mustering in full swing in northern WA to satisfy demand.

It is more than the 271,328 head delivered in 2012-13 as the trade recovered lost ground.

Australia Indonesia Business Council WA chairman Phil Turtle said the organisation was working hard behind the scenes to prevent any impact on trade from the executions and Australia's decision to recall its ambassador.

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