*So you are saying "....[it] might as well be us."
*

No Poirot, I am saying that the old claim that by banning live exports,
these markets will be forced to buy our boxed meat, is flawed.

*there was a healthy industry in Halal slaughtered meat to the middle-east - why can't we go back to that?*

Well there still is, in fact some of the live exporters have actually
bought failed meatworks now, to supply both to their customers. But
in the 80s there were more live sheep going out than is the case
today.

But you cannot force customers in how they spend their money, just
like I can't force you to shop at Coles, if you prefer Woolies or
IGA.

Fact is that some people in the ME prefer to buy their meat fresh,
as the selling of rotten meat is a common problem there, if you follow
what happens in that part of the world.

So lets look at the objective data as it stands today. The live ships
today are a massive improvement, with animals gaining weight along
the way, on a trip that takes a couple of weeks, so floating feedlots
really. The animals are being slaughtered in ESCAS approved
facilities, unlike in the past, when they were sold at the markets.
So where is your problem?

If the number of sheep involved is 2 million, what is the total price ?
I'll bet Julia Gillard gave away more than that on her present visit
to Laos and Malaysia.
The government could back up the farmers financially to call the bluff
of those governments trying it on.

Baz, sorry to tell you the ME governments, in fact the vast majority of World Governments do not care a less about you and your fellow Australians! Mate it is easy for you to say STOP! when other fellow Australians have to pay for vegan inspired decisions.
AA do not care a jot about animals! They want the power to say NO! Just remember the Australian Koala Foundation (Building next to the Ponds Institute lol)sent more people to the Copenhagen Gab fest than the State of Victoria?
See untaxed money is good money and you can do what you like, luxury travel etc. All under the guise of cuddly wuddly animals. When do we tax vegans and greens? They both make me sick and the enviroment isn't helped either.

JB, I am probably more aware than yourself of other countries lack of
interest in Australia.
Thats why I suggested that the govt fund the calling of their bluff.
Let them then buy elsewhere and see if they can get reliable supply
once they start their tacky business practices.

After all if it is the requirement of government that proper handling
of livestock is implemented then it is up to government to finance the enforcement.

Baz I am sure you regard yourself as smarter than me , in fact smarter than everyone.
What's this the government calling their bluff? Who suffers? The farmers do you dolt!
The Australian government only looks after Australia, no where else. You would stop farmers making a living and think you rule the world. When you sell something it is SOLD, it is not yours, savvy?
AA will try and ruin another Australian industry and revel in the misery they cause. Tax the greens and vegans, they are so keen on spending my money lets get them to spend theirs.

Yabby do not give in I just have to sidestep this for a while.
Not anti women, not anti poirot, she is OK but gee I grow weary.
We have been here time after time, truth, an honest look, facts say nothing.
The remoteness from bush life, the reality of making a living there.
The importance of living there and breeding and selling these sheep.
It comes down time and again to us blokes being B**stards!
Heartless stupid, lazy, all untrue but it sells.
Apart from our disgust at the way they died, being brutalized, the knife was no different than Muslims kill any beast they will later eat.
Not contemplating a sex change.
Just this simple truth as I grow older women grow better looking.
And SOME? harder to live with harder still to live without.
There is the reason men have sheds!
Mine has Seven rooms! my home is a refuge