Embattled Tasmanian Quality Meats abattoir given green light to export by federal government amid animal cruelty accusations

Following footage released of alleged animal cruelty, Tasmanian Quality Meats was threatened with an export ban. However, it has been given the all-clear. The latest >>

Images from Tasmanian Quality Meats. Picture: Farm Transparency Project

Tasmanian Quality Meats (TQM) has been allowed to continue exporting after its licence was threatened with being taken away.

The business had been given a notice of intention to suspend its export licence by the Federal Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries after footage from the abattoir of alleged animal cruelty was released.

However, on Thursday, TQM was advised it could continue exporting lamb to domestic and international markets.

The decision was slammed by animal activists, who said the economy was always put before the welfare needs of livestock.

The activists also said TQM was on notice.

TQM CEO Jake Oliver said the decision was a massive vote of confidence from the federal government.

“This means TQM can continue to do what we do best, and that’s processing and exporting premium Tasmanian meats for home and across the world.

“This is great news for TQM, our staff, Tasmanian farmers, suppliers that rely on us, our local community here in Cressy, and the whole state,” Mr Oliver said.

Jake Oliver of Tasmanian Quality Meats with independent Member for Lyons, John Tucker at Tasmanian Quality Meats at Cressy. Picture: supplied

“This means our 200 staff can continue to work, that Tasmanian farmers have the vital service of the state’s only export-accredited sheep processing facility, and it puts Tassie roast lamb back on the Christmas menu.

“I sincerely thank our staff, farmers, customers, our local community and members of parliament who have thrown their support behind us every step of the way.”

TQM now has stricter animal welfare conditions it is required to follow.

“We’re very grateful that the Federal Department has recognised the immediate and significant actions that we took to improve our policies and procedures,” Mr Oliver said.

“The new conditions of registration are very practical, and we are already working to get these in place as we gear up for the busiest time of year.”

Mr Oliver said it had voluntarily suspended bobby calf processing until a new restrainer was in place.

“TQM is committed to upholding the highest levels of animal welfare standards, and we will continue to take every action possible to ensure this does not happen again,” he said.

“We are continuing to work with Biosecurity Tasmania, and welcome the Tasmanian Government’s recent announcement of a taskforce to strengthen animal welfare.

“TQM welcomes the taskforce, and shares the Tasmanian government’s commitment to improving animal welfare standards.

“We will continue to work with all levels of government on any further actions to improve animal welfare, including having CCTV cameras monitored by government.”

However, Animal Liberation Tasmania spokesperson Kirsty Alger was disappointed that TQM had been given the green light to continue exporting.

“It’s typical that in circumstances of egregious animal cruelty, the economy, jobs and industry is prioritised over those animal rights,” Ms Alger said.

“Animals at the place were horrifically tortured, and we’re talking about sheep, lambs and week-old calves tortured to death.

“It’s finance, and it’s money that is the priority here, and the government is doing everything it can to make sure that the economy keeps running, irrespective of the harm it causes.”

Ms Alger said the quality of animal welfare in Tasmanian abattoirs was “woeful”.

“Animal activists are not going to stop until places like these are shut down. Our ultimate goal is that one day, we live in a world where there are no slaughterhouses.

“What TQM need to be aware of in the meantime is that they are under increased public scrutiny and will continue to be.”