The National Farmers Federation and Cattle Australia say the federal government has shot an arrow into the hopes of Australia’s cattle industry by rejecting a counter offer in the long-running class action over the unlawful closure of the live cattle export trade in 2011.
National Farmers’ Federation Acting CEO, Charlie Thomas, and Cattle Australia CEO Dr Chris Parker have both expressed their disappointment at the governments rejection of the counteroffer.
“This is a petty and callous move by a Government which seems determined to deny justice to these families at all costs,” said the NFF Acting CEO.
“They had the chance to do the right thing and end years of pain. Instead, they’ve chosen to allow this matter to fester and be dragged back through the courts.”
It’s been more than three years since a court found that the Gillard Government had committed malfeasance in its decision to shut down the live cattle export trade from Australia almost overnight.
Late last year, the 215 claimants made a fair offer in good faith to the Commonwealth of $510 million plus costs and interest to break a legal deadlock and settle the Brett Cattle Company Pty Ltd v Minister for Agriculture [2020] FCA 732 class action.
Cattle Australia CEO, Dr Chris Parker said this decision is a slight against those directly affected by the trade shutdown at the time, as well as the wider beef industry.
“Instead of doing the right thing, Government has chosen to prolong the pain inflicted on families and businesses,” said Dr Parker.
“If the Government truly intends to act in good faith, it must make the claimants an equitable offer that truly recognises the damage caused by the Gillard Government’s unlawful behaviour.
“Government needs to stop using delay tactics, concede their wrongdoings, and act in a manner that shows they value the people and businesses of rural and regional Australia.”
“The Government’s political decision to end live export virtually overnight showed disregard for its own departmental advice, and caused widespread damage that is still being felt over a decade later,” Dr Parker said.
