Export of Sheep from Northern Ports Amendment Order 2002 (No 1)

Overview

The Export of Sheep from Northern Ports Amendment Order 2002 (No. 1) was introduced under the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997, by Ann McDonald, a delegate of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. This legislative instrument was enacted to address an identified gap in the regulation of live animal exports, specifically concerning the export of sheep and goats from northern Australian ports during certain periods. The primary objective of this amendment is to enhance the regulatory framework governing the export of live sheep and goats from specified ports, ensuring compliance with animal welfare standards and industry practices. The Export of Sheep from Northern Ports Amendment Order 2002 (No. 1) commenced upon gazettal, and it primarily amends the Export of Sheep from Northern Ports Order 2001. The key change introduced by this amendment is the inclusion of live goats alongside live sheep in the restrictions on exporting these animals from certain northern ports during the period from November to May. This legislative change aims to provide a more comprehensive regulatory approach to the export of live animals from these ports, ensuring that both sheep and goats are subject to the same export restrictions and oversight.

Scope and Application

The Export of Sheep from Northern Ports Amendment Order 2002 (No. 1) amends the Export of Sheep from Northern Ports Order 2001 under section 17 of the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997. This legislative instrument applies to the export of live sheep and goats from designated northern ports of Australia, specifically extending to prohibit the export of live goats in addition to live sheep during certain months of the year. The primary purpose of this amendment is to enhance the regulation of livestock exports, particularly during the period from November to May when the welfare of animals might be compromised due to environmental conditions. The amendment broadens the scope of the original order by including live goats alongside live sheep, ensuring that the regulations cover a wider range of livestock that may be subject to export from the specified ports during the restricted period. The application of this Order is within the jurisdictional reach of the Commonwealth, administered by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and it does not specify any exclusions or exemptions beyond the stated amendment to include live goats in the export prohibition.

Key Provisions

The Export of Sheep from Northern Ports Amendment Order 2002 (No. 1) primarily amends the Export of Sheep from Northern Ports Order 2001, which in turn falls under the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997. Section 4 of the Order specifies that live sheep or live goats are not to be exported from certain northern ports between November and May. This means that during this period, the export of these animals from specified ports is prohibited to ensure compliance with animal welfare standards and other regulatory requirements. This amendment broadens the scope of the previous Order, which only referred to live sheep, by including live goats. The Order imposes specific obligations on parties involved in the export of live sheep and goats from northern ports. It mandates that during the specified period (November to May), these animals cannot be exported from the designated ports. This requirement applies to all exporters, transport operators, and other stakeholders involved in the live animal trade. The Order ensures that the provisions of the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997 are adhered to, thereby maintaining high standards of animal welfare and trade compliance. Violations of the Export of Sheep from Northern Ports Amendment Order 2002 (No. 1) can result in significant consequences. Under the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry Act 1997, breaches of the Order may be subject to penalties, which can include fines and potential imprisonment. The specific penalties are outlined in the Act and can vary based on the severity and frequency of the breach. Compliance with the Order is crucial to avoid these legal repercussions and to ensure the continued smooth operation of the live animal export industry.