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) (14:05): The decision to suspend the export to Indonesia of livestock for slaughter until new safeguards are established for the trade—this suspension will be in place until the government is certain that cattle from Australia are treated humanely at every step of the supply chain— Senator Back: Mr President, I rise on a point of order. I asked a specific question, and that is: did the minister or members of his staff attempt to influence departmental decisions before any imposition of a suspension order? The PRESIDENT: Senator Ludwig, I draw your attention to the question that has been asked. Senator LUDWIG: I reject the supposition underlying the question. I have worked with the secretary, the department and my ministerial advisers throughout this period. Clearly, this suspension decision was made by me to ensure that we have a couple of things. First of all, we want to ensure animal welfare outcomes and that those who watched the Four Corners program have confidence that we will not send cattle to overseas markets like the ones that footage displayed. What is clear is that no cattle will go into those markets until such time as we have that supply chain assurance. (Time expired)