Latest update shows no backing away from live sheep export ban

Moves to phase out live sheep exports by sea will continue despite the overwhelming opposition to it uncovered by the Federal government’s own advisory panel.

Sheep being loaded on trucks in March 2023 bound for port in WA. Picture: Philip Gostelow

Moves to phase out live sheep exports by sea will continue despite the overwhelming opposition to it uncovered by the Federal government’s own advisory panel.

In a statement quietly released of the Department of Agriculture website on Thursday, the independent panel tasked with advising the Federal government how to initiate the phase out gave no sign it would be suggesting an alternative.

“We are considering the feedback from public consultations (verbal and written), as well as expert analysis on the potential economic, agronomic and other impacts of the phase out,” the statement said.

But tellingly, there was no backing away from the move to end the trade despite more than 2000 people attending forums in person, another 330 taking part in virtual forms, and 80 meetings with organisations and farmer groups.

“An overwhelming majority of those people who attended our public meetings voiced their opposition to the government’s decision to implement its election commitment and phase out live sheep exports by sea,” the panel said.

“We also heard the effects regional communities may face with the end of live sheep exports by sea.

“We expect our report to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will describe what we heard and outline our recommendations on how and when to phase out live sheep exports by sea.”

The final report by panel members Phillip Glyde, Sue Middleton, Heather Neil and Warren Snowdon is expected on September 30.

The update from the panel covered some of the key issues raised, including the effect on individuals, businesses, communities and animals.

But the update said there was also feedback from some stakeholders that the government’s decision to phase out should be implemented as soon as possible.

Some of the stakeholders suggestions for assisting producers with the phase out included:

INCREASING sheep meat processing capacity in WA;

EXPANDING international market opportunities for sheep meat;

SUPPORTING individuals facing change;

HELPING businesses including farmers plan and reinvest for the future;

SUPPORTING regional communities affected by the phase out;

ENCOURAGING industry to build a future whole of supply chain strategy for sheep in WA;

SUSTAINING or improving animal welfare outcomes in the lead up to the phase out; and

THE POTENTIAL for financial support for those affected by the phase out.

Australian Live Export Council chief executive Mark Harvey-Sutton said it was clear from the panel’s statement the gravity of the phase-out commitment and how it would negatively impact Australia’s agricultural industry.

“Every single submission from the agricultural sector is opposed to the phase-out and the sector has consistently made it clear that it is a red line that cannot be crossed,” Mr Harvey-Sutton said.

“We know the positive impact the trade has on animal welfare, and we know that the community supports farmers.”

He said it was also clear after going through the submissions that have been published on the DAFF website that those opposed to the trade had nothing meaningful or realistic to offer in terms of a transition that will not leave farmers and their communities worse off.

“This is because we know it is not possible,” Mr Harvey-Sutton said.

“Instead those arguments are emotive and based on unsubstantiated notions of community sentiment.

“I am pleased that it appears the panel will pull no punches in advising the Government of its impacts and I do not envy the panel’s task.

“Sadly, it seems the Government is going to face a choice: whether it supports Australian agriculture or not, when it responds to the panel.”