General News
8 July, 2024
Pig inquiry a 'bias clash'
TWO Northern Victorian Region MPs have clashed over an inquiry into the state’s pig industry. Gaelle Broad, one of three Coalition members of the committee to release a dissenting report, claimed the inquiry was biased and instigated by animal...
TWO Northern Victorian Region MPs have clashed over an inquiry into the state’s pig industry.
Gaelle Broad, one of three Coalition members of the committee to release a dissenting report, claimed the inquiry was biased and instigated by animal activists intent on ending livestock farming in Victoria, and primary producers had been unfairly attacked in the process.
But Animal Justice Party MP and inquiry chair Georgie Purcell says the inquiry was not aimed at shutting down the pig industry.
“We heard from a range of farmers, from local outdoor farms to large factory farms that already have many of these recommendations as common practice across their farms. They shared with the committee the greater consumer trust and demand for their products due to the higher welfare pigs experience on their farms – particularly for free range and outdoor piggeries, it is a huge marketing selling point.
“What was abundantly clear from the 10,000 submissions and survey responses that the inquiry received, a record-breaking amount, is that pork eaters and non-pork eaters share the sentiment that they want to see improved welfare for pigs.”
But the Nationals’ Ms Broad said: “Further regulation and restriction of farming practices threatens to close Victoria’s pig industry, making it harder for people to work in the industry, driving up costs and leading to a greater dependence on imported products where there is no oversight of farming practices and welfare standards.
“Pork is the second most consumed meat in Australia and the Victorian pork industry is a vital part of Australia’s food supply chain.
“The Victorian pork industry has clearly demonstrated an ongoing commitment to improving animal welfare standards and deserves our support.”
Ms Purcell claimed she knew her “constituents and I was very pleased to have their support and engagement throughout the Inquiry and in the publication of the report”.
Her committee’s report proposes slapping the pork industry with new guidelines and random on-the-spot compliance checks from animal welfare inspectors.
It also found “the cultivated meat industry (distinct from plant-based products) offers a viable, ethical and environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional pork with the exact molecular composition and taste of traditional pork,” Mr Purcell said.
The Government is yet to respond to recommendations.