Australia can boast that it leads the world in animal welfare practices. A ban on live exports will more animals being shipped from nations with lower standards.
The government action means there is no trade at the moment after the other current exporter, Livestock Shipping Services, paused its trade over the northern summer.
In choosing not to ban the live export trade even in the hottest northern months, the federal government is allowing animals to be put in conditions where they cannot possibly escape suffering.
It was the week that saw a parliamentary committee recommend a referendum to end the dual citizenship debacle- but the idea was immediately shut down by the government.
In the face of shocking footage of animals dying on ships, it seems impossible that our live export trade will remain as it is. Here are three areas to address.