Jolanda, not all our meat is "Halal" you are mistaken.

how do you propose "they" "ask".

Dont understand your concern, is it the way the animals are slaughtered or is it because you felt that you had no choice, Even though there are many butchers in the Sutherland Shire.

Tootsie. How can you be so sure that not all meat is Halal.

Have a look at this http://www.halalmeat.com.au/halal.html and in particular to the section where it says - The concept of Halal in Islam has very specific motives.

There are motives for this Halal meat issue and we should be very concerned that our Government has agreed to these changes without consulting all Australians first.

I am not overly religious and it still offends me to have to eat Halal meat. It doesn't feel right to me. Why are my feelings (and people like me) less important than theirs?

This is also another interesting read about Halal http://www.diversityaustralia.gov.au/_inc/doc_pdf/halal.pdf

Goodness it already feels like a take over, but of course it is just a matter of time. In the end Australia will deserve what it gets fed because they didnt' stand up for their own rights.

Yes, Antje, I like to think of myself as a generally compassionate person.

I grew up in country Yorkshire. I had a rifle as a young teenager, was a good shot, and went out shooting for the table. I would not aim at moving rabbits, hares etc, but waited for sitting animals that I could take through the head. They wouldn't have known anything about it. Some of my friends said that I was not "sporting". I told them that the animals were not involved in "sport" and should not suffer. I would not go duck shooting with a shotgun, because of the high incidence of injured birds flying away and suffering.

When I came to Australia in 1962, I took up spearfishing for the table. I became good at this too and almost always hit the fish in the head. I used to quickly break the fish's neck too, in order to settle the matter. I stopped catching fish on a line many years ago, because I felt sorry for them. And I'm appalled at how fish are caught on lines and casually thrown into buckets to gasp their lives out. I stopped spearfishing too a good many years ago. Now I go snorkeling to, as I put it, say "Hi" to the fish. I'm like Fernando from the ABBA song, it's many years since I've felt a rifle in my hands. And I must say I like it that way.

From what you say, I gather that animals can be slaughtered compassionately and still be Halal. I really don't know much about it, but certainly hope that's true. I know nothing at all about Kosher.

Rex
I would like to add your comment on my web page.
Someone who isnt afraid to be decent and doesnt think it is uncool to say so. I will raise a few more points on Halal Meat a little later. I would like to repond to Jolanda.
Jolanda its hard to know which way to answer you. We do get a say. We are informed. Australia is a multi national country so a vote for that means a vote for the different foods and preperation all at the same time.
I know you feel Muslim people in general are trying to take over.
I am not even going to disagree with you on that on a world wide scale.

To the best of my knowledge Woolworths coles ALDI as yet dont have Halal in many areas. So you know that the main stream butchers have Ausie Style Slaughtered meat. I would say thats is the majority.
I cant see them ever selling Halal meat without a sign. They are extremly proud of their product. Nor will they ever stack it next to non Halal Meat because that would be forbidden.

We all have a say about whats available. Make sure you ask for Free Range Animals for a start.
I dont have a problem working with Muslim people to slaughter those animals Halal here in Australia if it means less animal cruelty.
Although we should not kid ourselves about meat works.
All abattoirs are dreadful places.

What you could complain about to the Government Jolanda is the fact the Government allowed Kosha slaughter to take place with no stunning while making the Muslims comply.

Why not write and ask the Government why they excused pre stuuing for KOSHA slaughter in Australia and ask them how you will know if you are being served kOSHA meat because you refuse to support such cruelty.
Perhaps then you might raise why? there is one rule for one and one for another.
Yes you do have a right to be told.

You quite right.

Jolanda, I am sure if you ask your butcher if the meat is Halal, this will solve your problem. Not all meat is Halal. FACT.
My butcher does not sell halal. or does most butchers. I cant imagine at every cattle slaughter there is an islamic offical praying to Allah. Dont think so.

Tootsie I dont have to ask my butcher there is an authorisation certificate stuck on one of the walls.