NSW State MP Calls on Government to commit to Kosher and Halal practices
NSW Labor Legislative Council MLC, Mr Walt Secord has urged the State Government to allow halal and kosher (shechita) practices to continue in NSW in light of recent moves against the practice.
Walt Secord
“There is a worrying global trend against shechita and halal practices; NSW must resist that,” Mr Secord said.
“Last month, the Netherlands moved against the practice and last December, in New Zealand, the government attempted to ban it. Just last week, animal rights lobbyists in Victoria advocated a ban.
“The O’Farrell Government must make a public commitment to kosher and halal slaughter.
“Kosher slaughter has been occurring in NSW since the mid-19th century and it must continue.
“Any move to ban shechita or halal practices in NSW would be discriminatory, unfair and intolerant.
“Kosher and halal slaughter is subject to strict government regulation and inspection. Australia has very high standards. In fact, there was a review in 2009 by the Rudd Government which agreed to allow ritual slaughter to continue,” Mr Secord said.
Last month, Mr Secord asked a series of formal Questions on Notice in the NSW Parliament to the NSW Primary Industries Ms Katrina Hodgkinson – who has ministerial responsibility for kosher and halal slaughter in NSW. The questions were lodged for the recent debate.
On June 17, Mr Secord lodged a series of Questions on Notice to the Primary Industries Minister to secure a public commitment to allowing halal and kosher slaughter to continue in NSW.
Under the Parliament’s Standing Orders, the Minister has until July 17 to lodge a formal response.
On June 17, in the NSW Legislative Council, Mr Secord lodged a series of questions on halal and kosher slaughter including:
How does the Government oversee the halal and kosher slaughter of animals in New South Wales?
Does the Government have any plans to curb or restrict kosher and halal traditions of animal slaughter?
Will the Government allow halal and kosher practices to continue in New South Wales?
