A change of government is needed to restore the trading relationship between Australia and Indonesia, with 2011's live export ban having lasting – and damaging – effects, said Elders' Malcolm Jackman.
The Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System was introduced by the Australian government after ending the live export ban, originally introduced after a Four Corners episode exposed animal cruelty in Indonesian abattoirs.
According to AFR, the System requires exporters to assure that cattle sent overseas will be treated humanely.
According to Elders managing director, Malcolm Jackman, the ban and the subsequent regulations have damaged Australia's trading relationship with Indonesia, as well as other markets including Japan.
"Regretfully, I suspect that we will need a change of government, potentially in both countries, [Australia and Indonesia] to restore a normal balance and commercial relationship," Jackman said.
The AFR reports that the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences is predicting live exports will drop 22 percent to 450,000 this year, after Indonesia cut its intake.
Jackman said the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System was "well intended" but needs refining, with industry representatives meeting the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry next month to discuss potential changes.
The Coalition has said that if elected, it will retain the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System but refine it where necessary.