Taxpayers still footing the bill for ESCAS but exporters want hand outs!

When ALEC became angry about proposed increased charges to cover Dept of Ag (DAFF) administrative costs, the Federal Minister of Agriculture, Mr Joyce, a strong supporter (and promoter) of the live export trade was forced to respond.

DAFF produced their figures and it turns out that DAFF currently spends $10.1m a year in live animal export certification and ESCAS services, but only recover $6.5 million to pay for those services. No guess as to who pays the shortfall....the Australian taxpayer. And now the exporters want this subsidised or they will go broke.

When is the Australian Productivity Commission going to examine the true economic gain or loss from this trade? Such a review is long overdue. Many businesses would love to be propped up to the tune of 3.5 million/year taxpayer money. If the live export industry is so essential to the Australian economy (as is always claimed) then it shouldnt be so extensively subsidised....any industry can be profitable with government handouts!

And then of course, there is the not-for profit policing of ESCAS done by Animals Australia....another free "service" to the industry...but one they would happily dispense with!