Senator LUDWIG (Queensland—Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Manager of Government Business in the Senate and Minister Assisting the Attorney-General on Queensland Floods Recovery) (14:00): I, like many Australians, was shocked by the footage shown on Four Corners on 30 May. I was also shocked by the opposition's response on this issue too, quite frankly. The government shares the Australian community's concerns about animal welfare and is taking the necessary action to provide for a secure future for the live trade industry. But, as I have already announced, the government has suspended live animal exports to Indonesia until we are satisfied that the appropriate animal welfare standards can be met. I announced on 13 June 2011 that Mr Bill Farmer AO would also conduct an independent review into Australia's live export trade. Mr Farmer, of course, will examine each stage of the supply chain from paddock to the point of slaughter. But I have seen comments from Mr Abbott and Mr Truss on this and they seem to suggest that they would want to take— Senator Colbeck: Mr President, I rise on a point of order on relevance. I have given the minister a minute of his two minutes to consider the question, which was very specific, around when he, his department or his office first saw images of these inhumane slaughter practices. It was a very specific question and I would ask you to bring the minister to the question. Senator Conroy: Mr President, on the point of order, I do not know how much more relevant you could be in answering that question. Senator Ludwig was absolutely answering— Honourable senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Conroy, resume your seat. When the noise across the chamber ceases, we will proceed. Senator Conroy, you were responding to the point of order. Senator Conroy: Senator Ludwig was absolutely answering the question. More importantly, he still has almost a minute—almost half of his available time—to complete his answer. The suggestion that he is not relevant to the question should be dismissed as absolutely spurious. The PRESIDENT: The minister does have 56 seconds remaining. I do draw the minister's attention to the question. Senator LUDWIG: Thank you. Can I work up to my point— An opposition senator: When? Senator LUDWIG: Shortly. I have seen Mr Truss's and Mr Abbott's suggestions that they would want to take the risk that Australian animals continue to be exposed to the shocking conditions we have seen. The decision to suspend trade was not an easy one, but let us be clear: on the afternoon of 30 May— Senator Ian Macdonald: We didn't ask you whether it was easy; we asked you when! Senator LUDWIG: I see you interjecting. What did you do when you were the minister? Nothing! And, of course, on the afternoon— Opposition senators interjecting— Senator LUDWIG: If you don't want me to answer the question, I won't. The PRESIDENT: Senator Ludwig and others! Senator Ludwig, resume your seat. Senator Ludwig, continue with your answer. Senator LUDWIG: Thank you. As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, the afternoon of 30 May was the day of the Four Corners program. The decision, as I said, was not an easy one to take, but let us be clear: this is a suspension that the government will lift as soon as industry can establish a verifiable system. (Time expired)