West Australian independent Kate Chaney insists a last-minute decision to oppose the Albanese government’s live sheep export ban was not motivated by improving her re-election chances, saying she has little desire to sit in parliament for decades.

Ms Chaney, who wrestled the once ultra-safe Liberal seat of Curtin away from the Liberals at the 2022 election, said she changed her position on live exports on the eve of the government’s vote to phase out the practice after speaking to affected WA farmers.