Exporters and the Australian government have moved quickly to suspend the supply of cattle to three abattoirs in Vietnam after the release of graphic footage showing the mistreatment of animals and to instigate an immediate investigation and audit exporter control and traceability.

However the move by the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association to build in more transparency for producers shows the frustration of Australian farmers at finding themselves back in a similar position in terms of public outrage that led to the devastating Indonesian ban five years ago.

The NTCA says ‘more can be done to provide greater clarity and transparency for our members and assist exporters in their vital work to raise standards.’

It wants to develop a Producer Assurance Program in collaboration with exporters.

NTCA president Tom Stockwell said the program would allow producers to have a clear line of sight to their markets at all times, building strong relationships between producers and exporters and ensuring the future of the live export sector.

The NTCA acknowledged the significant improvements to animal welfare standards in Australia’s live export markets, including the role that had played in influencing the management of local cattle in many of these countries.

Northern Territory Livestock Exporters Association CEO Stuart Kemp said extensive work was underway to ensure Vietnamese facilities were able to reconcile numbers, their figures were accurate and current and to identify any holes in the supply chain.

He said the trade was already one of the most heavily regulated and watched industries and exporters would be wary of taking on extra legislation given their costs of compliance were mounting by the day.

Producers and exporters reacted immediately with shock and dismay, condemning the actions depicted in the footage.