Government announces $3m in aid to workers hit by live cattle export ban THE federal government has announced a $3 million assistance package for workers affected by the suspension of live cattle exports to Indonesia. It includes payments for people who have lost their jobs as a result of the move, and assistance for employees and small business owners who earn most of their income from the live cattle trade to Indonesia. Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig says the payments will be backdated to June 7, when the suspension came into force, in response to footage of Australian cattle being treated cruelly in Indonesian abattoirs. It will provide financial assistance to individuals for up to 13 weeks through Centrelink. "Although this assistance will not substitute their full income, it will provide short-term assistance while safeguards for the trade are established," Senator Ludwig said in a statement. The government remains committed to reopening the trade as soon as possible. More information is available from a Centrelink hotline on 1800 808 869.