Sow stalls
Mr MEDDICK (Western Victoria) (12:37): My question is for the Minister for Agriculture. Today it was revealed through an undercover investigation that at least six Victorian piggeries are still confining pregnant pigs to stalls, despite an industry phase-out deadline of 2017. Footage shows sows languishing in rows of cages where their suffering is immeasurable. For up to 26 days they are confined to spaces so small they are unable to turn around, an image far removed from the misleading products that line our supermarket shelves. Following release of the footage, some piggeries have admitted to the continued use of sow stalls, whilst others admit to using mating cages more than four times longer than the industry committed to. The government trusted the pork industry to self-regulate, but it has had more than seven years to phase out sow stalls. We are five years past that deadline, and without enforcement the industry has claimed cruelty-free products free from scrutiny. What will the minister do to intervene in light of these new revelations?
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:38): I thank Mr Meddick for his question and his ongoing advocacy in the area of animal welfare. Thank you. This is an issue that has come to light in recent times, and indeed there was an article in the Guardian as recently as today. I have received some correspondence from a range of people in respect to this issue in recent times as well. This government is absolutely committed to animal welfare rights. I think that we have been able to demonstrate that in a number of ways, including the most recent budget of $18.6 million. Of course that money will go into developing a newer, modernised piece of legislation that will come before the house if we are re-elected to government. But it also is an investment in the new Ballarat animal hospital. It also is an investment in Victoria’s first pet census and an investment in and the development of a cat management strategy, as well as support for the 17 recommendations that came about as a result of the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets. So it is not as if we are not active in this space, Mr Meddick.
What I can say to you is that as recently as 2 September this year I have put out for consultation and public comment ideas from the community in terms of what changes they would like to see. I have asked the Victorian community to get in contact or get on the Engage Victoria website. They have until I think it is midnight on 16Â October to provide government with their ideas about what they would like to see in legislation that would come before this house. Of course there will be a lot of discussion also at the conclusion of being able to pull those comments together as we develop that legislation. I am looking forward to seeing that develop. I know that there has been a lot of active interest in this area for some time, but it is actually getting to that point where we can see light at the end of the tunnel. I again would encourage Victorians to get involved, have their say and say their piece.
In terms of the specifics that you raise with me that were in the Guardian this morning, I have asked the department to provide me with an update on that. I know that there are a number of animal activists that are active in this area. I want to be able to be informed and advised as to exactly what has been or is purported to have happened and indeed whether this is occurring at any Victorian piggeries. I look forward to receiving that advice from the department.
Mr MEDDICK (Western Victoria) (12:41): Thank you, Minister, for that answer. Before I ask my supplementary, I too would encourage all Victorians to get on the Engage Victoria website to have their say on the new animal welfare act. Can the minister please advise what efforts have been taken to monitor compliance of the industry in the industry-led phase-out of sow stalls in Victoria?
Ms TIERNEY (Western Victoria—Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:41): The member would be aware that in terms of the agreement it was a voluntary agreement by the industry. So you know that. What I would say to you is that, if there are any cases that people are concerned about in terms of animal welfare, I would encourage them to contact Agriculture Victoria and provide all of the details so that there can be an investigation and a checking out of the situation.