The evidence damns those involved in the live export trade and politicians who support such trade. 

It simply leads me to question where our sense of humanity has gone. 

I am quite happy to admit I often enjoy a steak or lamb chops, however as a decent, civilised society we have an ethical obligation to the care and welfare of animals we raise in this country for human consumption.

I have heard excuses for continuing live exports based on farmer profit, or blaming the cruelty on overseas practices. 

There are no excuses, valid reasons or justifiable arguments when it comes to suffering animals or animal cruelty.

As people living in a civilised society we cannot ignore the plight of animals that are raised in inhumane conditions, treated cruelly, or sent offshore for ‘processing’. 

New Zealand ceased the trade in live animals more than 10 years ago due to concerns for animal welfare. 

The ban led to no negative impact farming incomes in NZ. 

In contrast the ban on live exports in NZ has actually lead to local jobs being created and maintained in the meat processing industry.

The live export trade from Australia needs to end now, the welfare of the animals will increase, and the economy will benefit. 

It’s election year and about time to make the politicians take a stand on this issue, and for people to vote accordingly.

On one final note, I have always thought that the way people treat animals is a fairly good indicator of their deeper beliefs and principals. 

While it is easier to ignore animal rights and brand the issue as ‘greenie’, I would like to assure people it is both heartening and rewarding to in some small way become a “voice for the voiceless” (animals). 

There are many organisations, large and small, concerned with caring for, recusing and helping animals. 

They are all worthy of our support and I would encourage those interested in becoming involved to do so.

o o o

The third stage report of the Independent Local Government Review panel is in and people have until June 28 to forward their final submissions to the proposals released.

The 64-page document is compelling reading, especially for those who are easily sucked in.

That’s due to the vein in which the report has been written - belittling anyone who dares criticise.

But there is some very good research and possible scenarios certain councils may take upon themselves in hope of supressing amalgamations, although it seems inevitable.

Or that’s what is spelled out in the report.

We are now hearing Jeff Kennett re-inventing himself by proclaiming he did the best thing ever for Victoria (more than halving the number of councils without any warning).

His state government and the federal government of the day were dumped at the very next election.

Yes, local government associations requested this review hoping that the $6 billion-plus backlog (at the time several years ago) that was lacking in local government from the many years of neglect by both state and federal governments (found in the ‘Percy Allen Report’) plus their cost-shifting episodes would come to light and shame both governments for their lack of financial support to local government in real terms

But alas, that has not really happened.

It has highlighted the woes many councils face, and not necessarily through their own fault (as mentioned).

The review panel members found and dusted off the 40 or so year-old ‘Barnett’

proposals and much of the

subsequent recommendations have originated from that report - mergers and the 1993 Local Government Act, where mayors and councillors were stripped of their managing roles and delegated second place to the shire clerk’s changed position as general manager.

The ‘new look’ county councils are something the panel has picked up on - super councils in disguise.

Super council themes from a decade or so ago died

due to lack of support, especially from the state politicians of both political sides who could foresee state government’s demise if the super models were to progress.

Of course this report is strongly supported by the recent NSW Treasury (TCorp) findings that most councils are nearing dire straits financially.

TCorp’s finding are well mentioned.

I can’t but not alert readers to the plain fact that also written throughout this tome is a theme of rate rises that are subtly mooted as inevitable, especially as both state and federal governments will not be running to help local government out in the short term, if ever again in factual and meaningful money, whether by way of grants or otherwise.

So most councils will be looking to recut their cloth and hope that their newer look may satisfy the bean counters in TCorp, because at the end of the day, it will be those abacus carrying zealots that will say yea or nay to each council’s future.