The Federal Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has confirmed it has launched a criminal investigation involving a “number of entities” as the fallout from the live sheep export saga continues.
In early April, 60 Minutes released footage provided by Animals Australia, that appeared to show overcrowding on a live sheep export vessel, bound for the Middle East from Western Australia.
The Federal Agriculture Minister, David Littleproud, has since announced that he will accept all 23 recommendations made in a sweeping review of the Middle East summer trade.
In a statement issued today (Friday), a departmental spokesperson said the criminal investigation would seek to determine if there had been breaches of the Meat and Livestock Industry Act, the Export Control Act or the Criminal Code Act as it applies to the AMLI Act and the Export Control Act.
“This includes investigating allegations of overstocking of the vessel, failing to have sufficient food and water available, injury and illness not being treated and accredited veterinarians and stockmen leaving the vessel prior to completion of unloading,” a spokesperson for the department said.
The department declined to name any individuals or companies involved in the fresh investigation, saying “a range of witnesses are being questioned and information is being examined by the department”.
“While the department is looking at a range of activities that involve a number of entities, it is not appropriate for the department to provide additional information on the status of these actions, or to comment on individuals or companies,” the spokesperson said.
Fairfax Agricultural Publishing has contacted Emanuel Exports, a company that featured heavily in the 60 Minutes footage, for comment.
