“Indonesia is one of our most important trading partners and is our largest market for live cattle, with cattle exports to Indonesia valued at $578.4 million in 2015-16,” Minister Hartsuyker said.

“The Australian live export industry is especially significant for many of our northern farmers and farming communities and we are committed to building and sustaining the important and mutually beneficial trade and investment relationships that we share with key international partners, like Indonesia.

“Today I had a valuable opportunity to discuss the importance of this industry with key stakeholders, as well as gain an on-the-ground insight into how the industry operates in Indonesia.

“I toured the Juang Jaya Abdi Alam feedlot to see first-hand the management of Australian livestock, before touring other local live export facilities to see how our world-class cattle are processed and how the industry ensures strong compliance with our strict animal welfare conditions throughout the supply chain.

“The conversations I have had and the places and facilities that I have had the opportunity to visit gives me great confidence in the future of the livestock trade between Indonesia and Australia.

“It is a relationship that has a mutual commitment with a bright future and one that will continue to deliver significant benefits for both countries—in Australia for our farming families and communities, and in Indonesia’s value-adding and feedlot industry as a safe, reliable source of livestock.”

Indonesia has recently advised of policy changes to import conditions for live cattle, including increasing the weight and age limit of live feeder cattle and extending the length of time that permits and recommendation letters are valid.

“These changes provide further opportunities for Australian producers exporting to Indonesia by increasing the range of Australian cattle eligible for export and allowing better business planning for our exporters,” Mr Hartsuyker said.