AgForce Queensland says northern cattle industry producers will not give up their long-running fight for compensation in the class action over the 2011 suspension of cattle exports to Indonesia.
The Federal Court today dismissed an appeal in the Brett Cattle Company Class Action.
The industry had been fighting to overturn a 2025 Federal Court decision that found live cattle exports to Indonesia were in decline before the ban was enforced and that exports in the following few years were not affected by the ban.
AgForce Cattle President Lloyd Hick said today's ruling was another setback for the industry.
"This decision is a devastating blow in what has been a series of blows over the past 15 years for the entire live cattle export industry," Mr Hick said.
"To hang the industry out to dry for so long after we proved in court that the decision to shut down the live cattle trade to Indonesia was unlawful is both cruel and unfair.
"That 2020 ruling still stands.
"It found the six-month ban was a reckless use of power that had a severe impact on producers, exporters and others in the supply chain.
"Many within the industry suffered significant losses because of the ban and still have not been compensated.
"People lost their livelihoods without warning and the impact was devastating.
"The ban also eroded trust with Indonesian importers which has taken years to rebuild.
"And despite the revival of our industry, Indonesia importers have long memories and have noted the current Australian government's decision on the live export sheep trade.
"They're watching to see if it happens again, this time in the cattle sector."
AgForce General President Shane McCarthy said while frustrated with the ongoing legal battle, the industry would press on with the fight for compensation.
"The industry has learned from the issues brought to light by the footage that triggered the ban, with strict standards now enforced," Mr McCarthy said.
"We have rebuilt our markets and our trade and all we are asking for is what we deserve.
"The fight for accountability is not over yet and the industry will not be deterred by this ruling.
"AgForce stands with the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association and others involved in this case and will carefully consider the implications of the ruling.
"It's time for the Commonwealth to settle this case with a suitable compensation payout.
"The industry has waited long enough."
