Live sheep export ban leaves WA farmers ‘gutted’

WA sheep farmers have warned their industry and communities will be decimated by the federal government’s live sheep export ban. Do you support the ban? Have your say here.

The entire agricultural industry should be on notice that the federal government could move to shut down any sector “for no legitimate reason”.

That’s the view of a leading Western Australian Merino breeder in the wake of the government’s decision to end the live sheep export trade. Agriculture Minister Murray Watt on Saturday unveiled a plan to end live sheep exports by sea by May 1, 2028 due to animal-welfare concerns and a $107 million transition package.

Stud Merino Breeders Association of WA Michael Campbell said he expected the decision would lead to a “big swing away from sheep”.

“The trend is there already in matings for 2023, and so I think we will see people reducing their Merino flock or exiting the industry,” Mr Campbell said.

“This is just a kick in the guts and the timing of the announcement is absolutely woeful, as we are having a very challenging time with dry seasonal conditions.

“We feel this has been done to appease a minority, it is backroom deal that ignores the solid science on the animal welfare improvements that have been made in the trade.”

Mr Campbell said the government’s decision put the entire agriculture sector “on notice”.

“Everyone is on notice now that a productive industry can be shut down by a government, by will, for no legitimate reason,” he said. “Everyone can see who is next.”

Mr Campbell said the government had failed to respect the impact the decision would have on the well being of farmers, already struggling with drought conditions and large backlogs for kill space at WA meat processors.

“This will have significant impacts on people’s state of mind, on top of the challenging season,” he said.

“Obviously this is just about politics and they just don’t care about the people it impacts.”

Other sectors have spoken out in support of WA’s sheep producers.

Cattle Australia chief executive Chris Parker said the Australian cattle industry stood by its sheep producer colleagues against what he described as a clear demonstration of a government willing to overlook sound, evidence-based policy and instead legitimise extreme animal activism for base political reasons.

“Live sheep exporters have demonstrated time and time again they are world leaders in animal welfare,” Dr Parker said.

Dr Parker said the decision would “send shivers down the spine of the live cattle industry for fear they will be next.”

WoolProducers Australia president Steve Harrison said eastern states had already seen a flow of stock from WA and it could be a taste of things to come.

“In no way do we begrudge WA producers and their ability to sell sheep to eastern states processors but it certainly takes the pressure off (abattoirs),” Mr Harrison said.

“What the (federal) government has failed to realise is that banning live exports is a whole of industry problem, not just a WA problem.”

Mr Harrison said the extra source of sheep from WA, coming from the supply normally destined for live export, would mean abattoirs were spoilt for choice.

“There’s no doubt producers will go out of sheep in WA and you would have to think that cattle live exports could be next.”