Update on independent observer deployments to the Middle East

Attention

• Australian Livestock Exporters' Council
• LiveCorp
• Livestock Exporters
• Meat and Livestock Australia

Purpose

To update exporters on the deployment of independent observers on livestock vessels to all countries in the Middle East region due to the currently uncertain security situation.
 

Key points

• The department has determined that deployment of observers can recommence on voyages carrying Australian livestock to ports in the Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf from 22 November 2023.
• Deployments of observers on livestock voyages travelling to/through the Red Sea or to any ports in Israel remain paused due to the changing and uncertain security conditions.
• The department will continue to monitor the safety and practicality of international travel for observers when deciding to deploy.
• Exporters sending consignments of livestock that will travel to/through the Red Sea or to any ports in Israel may expect a direction to undertake additional reporting in lieu of observer deployment.
• Previously on 9 October 2023, the department had temporarily paused the deployment of observers on voyages carrying Australian livestock to all ports in the Middle East region due to uncertain security conditions.

Instructions

1. Exporters will be contacted by the department on a consignment-by-consignment basis.
2. Directions currently in place for exporters requiring them to perform additional reporting may be revoked with the intention to now require an observer to accompany the consignment. Relevant exporters will be notified.

Background

• The department administers an independent observer (observer) program for livestock export voyages by sea to provide additional assurance on the effectiveness of exporter arrangements in managing animal welfare.
• The role of an observer is to monitor, observe and report on activities in approved export programs for the purpose of ensuring the health and welfare of live animals in the course of export activities. Observers do not have an active role in livestock activities during a voyage.

Patrick Cass
Director
Voyage Management, Live Animal Exports Branch
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry