Showing posts with label crime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crime. Show all posts

Tuesday 19 March 2024

Youth crime and crime generally are always good ways to scare rural and regional communities and a scare campaign has been running hot and cold in 2024

 

Youth crime and crime generally are always good ways to scare rural and regional communities and a scare campaign has been running hot and cold since the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) released the state's 2023 December quarter crime statistics.


The National Party members of the NSW Parliament have been beating up these figures and supporting any group who will drink the political Kool-Aid.


On 23 February 2024 the NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley in Budget Estimates described the Country Mayors Association calls for an inquiry into regional crime as calling for nothing more than a “talkfest”.


By 14 March 2023 the political situation but not the statistics had changed.


TheCountry Mayors Association of NSW has welcomed the NSW Premier’sannouncement that the NSW Government will implement new initiativesto start to address regional youth crime.


The mayors' law and order concerns were somewhat recent given the last annual survey conducted by the CMA saw the 69 rural and regional local governments who answered this survey placing law and order low on their priority lists.


Readers of Murdoch media and local Northern Rivers newspapers may also have noticed the sudden flurry of journalistic and National Party concern about local crime rates.


The Clarence Valley Independent of 13 March 2024 was a case in point:


News of an escalation in youth crime in the Clarence Valley has gone right to the top of the Coffs Clarence Police District, with the Commander, Superintendent Joanne Schultz involved in implementing prevention and intervention strategies to prevent re-offending....

Last month, Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson joined calls by the Country Mayors Association of NSW for the Minns Labor Government to launch a parliamentary inquiry into rural and regional crime, following a spike in crime in the Clarence and Richmond Valley’s.

The most recent data from the authorities show that youth crime continues to rise, especially for stealing motor vehicles and break and enter offences,” Mr Williamson said.


So what had changed for the Minns Government?


Well, firstly the state electorate is now only six months away from the NSW Local Government elections on Saturday, 14 September 2024 and both incumbent governments and their political opposition like to play the 'laura norder' card in an election year which sees party politics playing a significant but rarely openly stated role in council elections.


Secondly, the NSW Premier has announced new punitive legal measures aimed at youth offenders when it comes to matters like consideration of bail applications and certain increased penalties and, what better way to win support for this move and a policy of "proactive policing" of vulnerable groups than to further demonise young offenders.


Thirdly, a 'helpful' study was released by BOSCAR this month titled "Crime in Regional and Rural NSW in 2023: Trends and Patterns".


While this study openly admitted that in the last 20 years property crime had fallen by 48 per cent in regional NSW, this was seen as deficient because property crime had fallen by 67 per cent in Greater Sydney over the same period and as due to the different rates of decline, in 2023 the rate of recorded property crime was 59 per cent higher in Regional NSW compared to Greater Sydney. A most unfortunate statistical clash.


The study also stated: In 2023 the aggregate rate of recorded violent crime in Regional NSW was equivalent to the recorded rate in 2004. In Greater Sydney, however, violent crime declined significantly in the two decades to 2023 (down 20% from 2004 to 2023). The long-term decline in violence in Sydney and relative stability in Regional NSW has increased the disparity between the rate of violent crime in the regions versus the capital city. In 2023 the rate of recorded violent crime was 57% higher in Regional NSW compared with Greater Sydney.


Leaving a distinct impression that the comparisons being made are beginning to resemble the apple and orange variety and are unhelpful to anyone except state and local government politicians on the make in a local council election year.


The icing on the cake was the following paragraph, which totalled five years of crime statistics to achieve impressive numbers which are broken down in red annotations:


Four major offences, however, significantly increased in Regional NSW over the five years from 2019

to 2023:

o Motor vehicle theft (up 20% or 1,239 additional incidents) An est. average increase of 248 offences per year across 95 regional local government areas. In this category and unspecified number of youth offenders are alleged to be found.

o Non-domestic assault (up 14% or 1,825 additional incidents) An est. average increase of 365 offences per year across 95 regional local government areas. On a yearly average est. 204 were youth offenders.

o Sexual assault (up 47% or 1,505 additional incidents) An est. average increase of 301 offences per year across 95 regional local government areas. In this category it is solely adult offending.

o Domestic violence related assault (up 24% or additional incidents)

An est. average increase of 659 offences per year across 95 regional local government areas. On a yearly average est. 86 were youth offenders.


For those interested BOSCAR released a set of graphs which breakdown the trends into more specific crime categories at:

https://www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au/Publication%20Supporting%20Documents/RCS-quarterly/Supplementary%20charts%20-%20Recorded%20Crime%20Charts%202019%20to%202023.pdf


As for "stealing motor vehicles and break and enter offences" the Nationals MLA for Clarence points to in relation to youth crime, BOSCAR data for January to December 2023 show NSW Police proceeded against a total of 27 vehicle thefts in the Clarence Valley LGA, with 9 of these thefts alleged to be by young offenders aged between 10-17 years of age. While break and enter offences proceeded against totalled 33 offences, with 9 of these break and enters alleged to be by young offenders aged between 10-17 years of age.


As for motor vehicle theft and break and enter statistics for the Coffs Clarence Police District, BOSCAR shows Coffs-Grafton statistical district was considered "stable' over the last five years. With the change in motor vehicle theft being +113 thefts between 2019 and 2023 totals. While break and enter dwelling fell by -145 incidents and break and enter non-dwelling fell by -9 incidents between 2019 and 2023 totals.


From a personal perspective - yes let's all insist on higher numbers of police in all regional areas to improve crime clear up rates and because police are often spread thin on the ground during emergencies and, in the Northern Rivers region in particular we now have such events far too often.


However, does the desire to have more police in our towns mean that we need to endorse a more punitive response to young offenders by a state government and its police force?


ABC News, 18 March 2024:


Some of the country's top legal and criminal justice experts have written to NSW Premier Chris Minns about proposed bail changes. Sixty organisations signed the letter, including the Aboriginal Legal Service and the Sydney Institute of Criminology....

Amnesty International, Save the Children and the Human Rights Law Centre are also signatories to the letter, which states the premier's bail changes will "make crime worse in regional communities, not better".

"Your new policy to increase youth incarceration is a betrayal of your Closing the Gap commitments," they tell the premier....


Tuesday 14 November 2023

Domestic Violence Assaults in the Clarence Valley remain well above the state rate in 2023

 

"A Clarence man with a history of DV broke into his partner’s home with a group, bashed her and screamed he would “kick the unborn baby out” of the woman, a court has heard." [Daily Telegraph, 8 November 2023]



In 2022 there were 273 Domestic Violence Related Assaults recorded by police in the Clarence Valley Local Government Area (LGA) and the majority of these incidents appear to have occurred in residential properties.


The 2022 full year total for Domestic Violence Related Assaults showed an increase in the number of recorded incidents by +73 compared with the previous year.


This 2022 total gave the Clarence Valley a rate of 527.7 incidents for every 100,000 head of the state population and, a two year trend for Domestic Violence Related Assaults of 35.1%.


It also ranked this LGA at 49th in a field of 128 NSW LGAs placing it in the top 39% of councils recording this crime category in 2022.


Between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023 there were 312 Domestic Violence Related Assaults recorded by police in the Clarence Valley, an increase on the number of incidents recorded of +96 compared to the previous July to June period.


While the valley-wide reported incident rate for this crime category remained at 575.9 per 100,000 population, at 147.2 above the state rate in July 2022-June 2023 it was no longer considered "stable" and the rate was markedly higher in postcode 2460 encompassing Grafton City & environs at 769.6 making parts of this postcode designated "hotspots".


BOSCAR, NSW Crime Tool
Snapshot retrieved 13.11.23


The Clarence Valley two year trend percentage for Domestic Violence Related Assaults stood at 43.8% in July 2022 to June 2023.


NSW Local Court lists for 6-13 November 2023 indicated that at least 59 matters before the Grafton court involved allegations of domestic violence.


NOTE: The quote at the head of this post does not indicate a finding of guilt. The matter remains before the District Court at time of publication.



SOURCES


BUREAU OF CRIME STATISTICS AND RESEARCH

(BOSCAR):


  • NSW Recorded Crime Statistics, June Quarter 2023

  • NSW Recorded Crime Statistics, June Quarter 2023

  • NSW Local Government Area excel crime tables - Clarence Valley.


NSW COURT LISTS - Grafton



Wednesday 27 July 2022

42 year old Perth resident Tobias Moran (formerly Tobias Suckfuell) arrested in relation to the 2005 murder of Simone Strobel in Lismore, NSW


Simone Strobel
Image: ABC News, 12 February 2014



NSW Police, News, 26 July 2022:


Man arrested following extensive investigations into 2005 homicide of German backpacker Simone Strobel


Tuesday, 26 July 2022 03:53:32 PM


A man has been arrested in Western Australia following an extensive investigation into the homicide of German backpacker Simone Strobel, on the Far North Coast more than 15 years ago.


Simone, aged 25, was last seen at the Lismore Tourist Caravan Park on Friday 11 February 2005, after a night out with her then-boyfriend and friends.


Her body was found six days later (Thursday 17 February 2005), concealed under palm fronds at a sportsground less than 100m from the caravan park.


At a coronial inquest in 2007, then-State Coroner, Paul McMahon, ruled there was insufficient evidence to lay charges over Simone's death.


Detectives from Richmond Police District established Strike Force Howea in February 2005 to investigate Simone’s murder – with assistance from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, and their counterparts at the Wuerzburg Criminal Police and the Prosecutor´s Office in Wuerzburg.


In October 2020, the NSW Government announced a $1 million reward for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Simone’s homicide. The Bavarian Office of Criminal Investigation had also announced a 10,000 Euro reward for residents of both Germany and Australia back in 2014.


Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives travelled to Western Australia, where – with assistance from Western Australian Police Force – a 42-year-old man was arrested at a home today (Tuesday 26 July 2022).


NSW detectives will apply for an extradition warrant.


Further information will be provided when available.


Strike Force Howea investigators are continuing to work with their international counterparts, with investigations continuing.


Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Howea detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.


Wednesday 22 September 2021

Labor State Member for Lismore calling for zero state & community tolerance: In the 24 months to June 2021, only one of the 17 major crime categories was trending upwards in New South Wales and it was sexual assault. Domestic violence incidents also trended upwards in NE NSW & Central West


 

Domestic Violence statistics demand more action: Saffin


ZERO tolerance and more well-targeted action by New South Wales and Federal governments are needed to prevent the growing scourge of coercive control and domestic violence, according to Lismore MP Janelle Saffin.


Ms Saffin said she kept a close eye on Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research’s (BOCSAR) quarterly updates, the latest of which (June 2021) shows major crimes against women had continued to trend upwards before and during the Covid-19 pandemic.


The June 2021 update – see, www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au -- revealed that in the 24 months to June 2021, only one of the 17 major crime categories was trending upwards in New South Wales and it was sexual assault.


In BOCSAR’s media release, they highlighted increased reporting of incidents of sexual assault. This crime went up by 1367 incidents or 21 per cent in New South Wales over the year to June 2021.


In the Richmond-Tweed statistical area, incidents of domestic violence are up 33 per cent on a two-year trend and up 5.8 per cent on a five-year trend.


Also in Richmond-Tweed, incidents of intimidation, stalking and harassment are up 30.2 per cent on a two-year trend and up 8.6 per cent on a five-year trend.


Ms Saffin said she understood that increased reporting also applied to these two crimes.


I commend our local police for their zero tolerance of domestic violence and strong proactive approach to compliance checks,” Ms Saffin said.


I’ve written to NSW Attorney-General and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Mark Speakman, asking him to organise a BOCSAR briefing for me and other MPs here if they wish to join, so we can consider further action that could be taken in terms of community programs.


We cannot ignore these statistical trends because they represent such a high human cost; if we can better interpret this raw data it will then inform that discussion.”


Ms Saffin said progress was being made with a NSW Parliamentary Joint Select Committee in June this year recommending that coercive control should be a criminal offence in New South Wales, in an effort to prevent domestic abuse-related homicide.


See, www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/listofcommittees/Pages/committee-details.aspx?pk=271


Ms Saffin also noted that the 2021-22 Federal Budget had included a $3.4-billion package of measures to improve outcomes for women’s safety, economic security, and health and wellbeing.


The outcomes of the National Summit on Women’s Safety – Ending Violence Against Women & Children – held online on September 6-7, would help guide the $1.1-billion women’s safety component over three years.


See http://regonsite.eventsair.com/national-summit-on-womens-safety/


Ms Saffin’s Electorate Office in Lismore is now an official stockist for escabags, free escape bags filled with the necessities that a victim of domestic violence and their children may need when fleeing an abusive or dangerous situation.


There are two types of escape bags available -- one for a parent and child, and one for a single adult. 


If people need one of these, get in touch with the office on 0266 213 624 or email lismore@parliament.nsw.gov.au


For more info, go to www.escabags.org


Monday, 20 September 2021.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Coffs Harbour- Grafton Statistical area 

Recorded criminal incidents from June 2020 to June 2021

Domestic Violence Incidents - 867 (previous 12 months 705)

Sexual Assaults - 213 (previous 12 months 166)


Richmond-Tweed Statistical area 

Recorded criminal incidents from June 2020 to June 2021

Domestic Violence Incidents - 1,116  (previous 12 months 838)

Sexual Assaults - 333  (previous 12 months 257)


As at June 2021 three of the local government areas in NE NSW with the highest number of domestic violence incidents for the last 12 months were Tweed Shire at 363, Lismore City at 274, and the Clarence Valley at 231, with Kyogle having the lowest at 32 - numbers for the remaining three local government areas fell in between. [See: https://www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au/Publications/RCS-Quarterly/NSW_Recorded_Crime_June_2021.pdf]


Wednesday 8 April 2020

NSW Police launch a criminal investigation into the "Ruby Princess" COVID-19 disembarkation incident


NSW Police Public Site - News, 5 April 2020:

Police investigation launched into actions surrounding Ruby Princess
Sunday, 05 April 2020 05:42:00 PM 

The NSW Police Force has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the docking and disembarking of the Ruby Princess last month. 

After being tasked by the NSW Premier to conduct initial investigations, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller today (Sunday 5 April 2020) announced that a criminal investigation is now underway to fully examine the communications, actions, and other circumstances that led to the docking and disembarking of the vessel at Sydney Harbour on Thursday 19 March 2020. 

The investigation is being led by the Homicide Squad’s Detective Chief Inspector Jason Dickinson, who is experienced in complex and protracted investigations, with oversight from the NSW Coroner. 

It is expected the investigation will involve interviewing thousands of witnesses, including the Ruby Princess’ captain and doctors, the crew and passengers; and staff from various Commonwealth and NSW Government offices and agencies. 

Commissioner Fuller said his initial assessment of the vessel’s pratique left questions about the transparency in conceptualising the health conditions of passengers and crew in relation to COVID-19. 

“I’ve examined a number of phone calls between NSW Ambulance, Port Authority of NSW and NSW Police that stemmed from the initial 17-minute Triple Zero call from the ship to NSW Ambulance on 18 March,” the Commissioner said. 

“There appears to have been an exceptional amount of effort put in by Ports to determine the true nature of the conditions on board – and even delayed the vessels arrival until they were provided additional information. 

“After reviewing the information at hand, the only way I can determine whether our national biosecurity laws or our state laws were broken is through a criminal investigation.” 

The Commissioner added that investigators will examine the actions of everyone involved – whether from the cruise company or government agencies. 

“This is a complex issue and we will need information from many witnesses to answer all the questions about how this ship ended up docking last month,” the Commissioner said. 

“We are mindful that some of the key information we need will also come from passengers, so I urge those who were on-board to reach out to us – please contact Crime Stoppers as soon as possible.” 

Anyone who was on-board the Ruby Princess and has information relevant to the investigation, including details of symptoms, illness, or medical advice during the journey is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages. 

Aspen Medical are continuing to assess the health of the crew on board the Ruby Princess and have developed a plan in conjunction with NSW Health, the NSW Police Force’s Marine Area Command, and Australian Border Force to manage their welfare until they can depart Australian waters.

Police have been advised that up to 200 of the 1040 crew members currently on board the vessel are displaying symptoms, while 16 crew members are confirmed to have returned positive results for COVID-19.

The cruise ship "Ruby Princess" is currently in Port Kembla harbour, having arrived there on the morning of 6 April 2020.

It is believed the vessel is in port to allow medical access to ill crew members and may remain in place for up to 10 days. However, the crew will not disembark unless in an emergency and approved by the NSW Police Commissioner. She will also be refuelling and restocking provisions, as required for her home journey.

Tuesday 18 June 2019

Former Grafton man terrorism trial date set for May 2020



The Daily Examiner, 15 June 2019, p.1:

The Australian man accused of the Christchurch mosque killings smiled as survivors of the shooting were told he would be pleading not guilty to 51 charges of murder and 40 of attempted murder.

Brenton Tarrant, 28, pleaded not guilty to all charges yesterday morning when he faced New Zealand’s High Court by video link. It means he will stand trial in May next year over the attack.

Dozens of survivors and family members of the victims packed the court to hear whether the man accused of the shootings would defend himself.

Some were visibly nervous during the hearing. Others were in tears. They reacted in shock when the not guilty pleas were made.

Two further courts and some 200 seats were set aside for the public, with police maintaining a heavy presence through the building.

Tarrant is facing a terror charge, 51 counts of murder and 40 of attempted murder over the March 15 attacks on worshippers at two mosques.

Tarrant was not in the courtroom but was shown via video from Paremoremo Prison in Auckland wearing a grey sweatshirt.

This is the accused’s first hearing since early April.

The terror charge against Tarrant, laid last month, is the first in New Zealand and legal experts say it could potentially lead to a complex trial.

But Christchurch’s Muslim community has welcomed the decision by prosecutors to acknowledge the attacks as an act of terrorism.

Tarrant was remanded in custody to face a review hearing on August 16.

He is being held in New Zealand’s only maximum security jail and prison staff say he has no access to television, radio, newspapers or visitors.

The courts last week dropped a ban on local media publishing pictures of the former Grafton resident’s face.

At Tarrant’s last appearance, the court ordered he undertake a mental health assessment to see if he was fit to stand trial.

A trial date has been set for May 4 [2020] which was confirmed by Justice Cameron Mander…..

Saturday 9 February 2019

Tweet of the Week


Thursday 14 June 2018

The journey towards a name change for Coutts Crossing begins.....


In November 1847 Clarence Valley grazier Thomas Coutts disgruntled by what he thought was a failure of local authority to act on his complaints, angry that his cattle herd had diminished over the space of eight years allegedly due to cattle theft and irritated at the size of his wages bill - all of which he blamed on local Aboriginal family groups living on 'his' property - decided to take action.

According to media reports at the time it soon became common knowledge that Coutts "had poisoned some aborigines" and this was eventually reported to the Commissioner of Crown Lands who, after visiting the group who had been given poisoned flour, hearing their account, arrested Thomas Coutts based on an affidavit sworn by one of his servants. 



One hundred and seventy year later on13 June 2018 The Daily Examiner reported:

Coutts Crossing could have two names and a memorial to the 23 Aboriginal people murdered by the man the town is named after, following a meeting called to discuss proposals to rename the village.

Prospects for a name change for the village have gathered pace since Daily Examiner indigenous columnist Janelle Brown’s article two weeks ago detailed how colonial settler Thomas Coutts murdered 23 Aboriginal people with arsenic-laced flour he gave as payment for work on his property at Kangaroo Creek in 1848.

Yesterday, about 40 people – indigenous and European – met at the Gurehlgam Centre in Grafton to discuss the next steps in proposing a name change for the village. The meeting did not produce formal resolutions, but the debate uncovered key areas to work on.

These included a proposal to include a traditional twin name for the village and to build a memorial in the village for the victims of the atrocity.

“I didn’t know I would get the amount of kick back from the article,” said Ms Brown, who led the meeting.

“But it’s good. It’s time to have these conversations and look at things like a name change for Coutts Crossing.

“What happened at Kangaroo Creek was a horrendous thing and not good for the Clarence Valley.

“It’s not good for a town to be named after a mass murderer.”

She said research into Gumbaynggir language revealed the original name for the area had been Daam Miirlarl, which meant a special place for yams.

However, she was reluctant to push this name as an alternative until there was further discussion among indigenous people about it.

Coutts Crossing resident Cr Greg Clancy said yesterday’s meeting was an initial step to move toward a name change.

“It’s not something that is going to happen next week,” he said.

Cr Clancy also made an apology for the deputy mayor Jason Kingsley, who was also the council’s delegate to the Aboriginal Consultative Committee. He said working through the council committee could be the best way to bring the push for a name change to the council.

Cr Clancy said the work of local historian and environmentalist John Edwards left no doubt Thomas Coutts murdered the 23 Gumbaynggir people with poisoned flour.

“In his book The History of the Coutts Crossing and Nymboida Areas, the chapter on the Kangaroo Creek massacre has all the transcripts from the court case,” he said.

“Its evidence is conclusive, but the case could not go ahead because the court at the time could not hear evidence from Aboriginal witnesses.”

The current owner of the property on which the massacre occurred, John Maxwell, had nothing positive to say about the original owner.

“What he did was cynical beyond belief,” Mr Maxwell said. “To poison 6kg of flour and give it to people, knowing they would take it home and kill a huge number more of their family, is too terrible to consider.”….

Wednesday 30 May 2018

Killing coastal trees is an occupation for individuals with puny minds and shrivelled souls


Clarence Valley Council, media release, May 21, 2018:

Tree vandals hit Yamba again

MULTIPLE trees on the headland between Yamba’s Convent and Pippi beaches are dying in what Clarence Valley Council staff believe is a deliberate and brazen attempt to improve views for nearby residents.

Council’s works and civil director, Troy Anderson, said coastal trees had an important role in protecting headlands and landowners needed to remember they belonged to the community.

“The environment is not theirs to destroy,” he said.
“It belongs to everyone.”

Mr Anderson said about 20 trees had been poisoned in the area over the past six months. They included coastal casuarinas, coastal banksias, pandanus and tuckeroos – all native and endemic to the area.

“In the past two years we have lost between 50 and 100 trees along our coastline.
“We’ve had it happen in Wooli, Diggers Camp, Angourie and twice in Yamba last year – including the site of this latest poisoning.”

He said staff would prepare a report to council recommending a range of actions to mitigate tree vandalism that could include:

managing views for public benefit only at approved locations;

planting species that will enable views to be substantially retained in locations where those views may be enjoyed by the public;

public awareness and education initiatives;

installation of signage at the vandalised area;

installation of view screens or containers at the vandalised area, and
rehabilitation of the vandalised area.

“If people have any evidence of who might be responsible they should report it to council and we will follow it up,” he said.

The sites of where some of the trees have been destroyed.



Trees between Yamba’s Convent and Pippi beaches destroyed by vandals.....





Thursday 12 April 2018

Ultimately allowing live animal exports and cruelty to livestock is the responsibility of the Australian general public and we should not turn away from our part in this trade


It would appear that live animal exporters are still ignoring the health and well-being of livestock.

Take Emanuel Exports Pty Limited, first incorporated in Western Australia in 1955..... 



ABC News, 9 March 2018:   

A scandal-plagued live export ship slated to take 65,000 sheep to the Middle East has failed to satisfy an inspection and must provide evidence of improvements before maritime officials will allow it to set sail with livestock on board.

The concerns relate to airflow in pens where sheep will travel.

Inspectors from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) spent hours inspecting the Awassi Express after it docked in Fremantle, Western Australia, on Sunday.

"AMSA has advised the master and ship operator that they will have to arrange a third party air flow verification report to prove compliance with air flow standards before an Australian Certificate for the Carriage of Livestock can be issued," an AMSA statement reads.

To carry livestock, a ship must have a certificate for the carriage of livestock.

The inspected ship, used by Emanuel Exports, is the same vessel linked to 2,400 sheep deaths during a voyage to the Middle East last August.

The Department of Agriculture investigated that incident but scandal erupted after footage of the sheep surfaced, reportedly showing livestock being mistreated.
The vision, broadcast on Channel Nine on Sunday night, showed hundreds of sheep crowded into a small space, workers throwing dead sheep overboard, and faeces-covered pens where animals stood panting or collapsed on the ground.

It remains unclear what will happen to the sheep and 250 cattle Emanuel Exports plans to send to Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar in the coming days.
Emanuel Exports was also responsible for a July 2016 consignment, in which an estimated 3,000 sheep died from heat stress during a voyage to the Middle East….

Governments and farming bodies will react after the event when particular instances of animal cruelty or poor shipping conditions make the news. However such reaction frequently makes a claim that the incident in question is a 'one-off' occurrence.

There appears to be a general lack of will to address the fundamental failure of the live export industry to protect livestock from harm or to turn and face the fact that live export in itself is a cruel practice.

Responsibility for animal welfare lies in the last instance with the Australian general public and it will not be until tens of thousands of everyday citizens pick up the phone or write/email federal ministers, MPs and senators that the public's voice will begin outweigh the political influence of farmer-grazier lobby groups.

Contact details for all members of the federal parliament be found at List of Senators - (PDF 163KB) and List of Members - (PDF 145KB)   if readers want to have their say on the subject of live animal export.    

BACKGROUND

ABC News, 5 February 2017:

WA's largest live exporting company, Emanuel Exports, is back in court today to defend itself against charges of animal cruelty brought against it under the state's Animal Welfare Act. The case harks back to 2003 when he animal rights group, Animals Australia, won a Supreme Court order which forced the state to investigate alleged breaches of the Act during a shipment of 100,000 sheep on the Al Kuwait in November of that year. The livestock industry and animal rights groups say the outcome could set a precedent for the future of live exports. Natacha Hammond spoke with Tim D'Arcy from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association who has been at the opening morning of the case.

8 February 2008, DLGD v Emanuel Exports judgement.

beefcentral.com, 1 March 2012:

The export licence of one of Western Australia’s oldest livestock exporters, International Livestock Exports, the South East Asian export arm of Emanuel Exports, could be under threat as a result of footage released by Animals Australia this week.

The footage, showing mistreatment of cattle inside Indonesian abattoirs, aired on ABC Lateline on Tuesday.

ILE is believed to be the exporter responsible for at least one of the animals shown in the footage.

The Federal Government’s Export Supply Chain Accreditation System, introduced to improve animal welfare standards in the wake of televised footage of cruelty in Indonesian abattoirs last year, places the onus of responsibility for the welfare of all exported animals through until the point of slaughter on exporters.

Penalties for breaches of the ESCAS include conditions being placed on licenses, or the suspension or cancellation of a licence.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is currently investigating the footage supplied by Animals Australia last Friday, and will decide on penalties if it confirms that an Australian exporter has breached the ESCAS rules.

Emanuel Exports director Mike Stanton told Beef Central this afternoon that the company has suspended the operations of one abattoir within its accredited supply chain in Indonesia whilst the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry investigation is underway…..