Statement on Malaysian decision to resume live export trade

Senator the Hon Murray Watt
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

I welcome today’s announcement that Malaysia will resume the import of Australian live cattle and buffalo.

This is an important first step in the full restoration of this trade.

We have always maintained that Australia is free of Lumpy Skin Disease, demonstrated by the results of extensive testing undertaken across Northern Australia.

Australia also welcomes ongoing technical discussions with Indonesia.

I want to thank DFAT and DAFF officials for their ongoing hard work on this matter.

We will continue to take a calm and considered approach to our response on this issue.

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