WA shearers told to “pilot new ways of employment” in live export transition package

Details of the transition package to help the West Australian sheep industry deal with the end of live exports have been revealed. And it’s suggested shearers look for other work.

Details of the $139.7m transition package to help the West Australian sheep industry deal with the end of live exports include suggestions shearers should look for other roles when there’s not enough work.

And livestock transporters will be given assistance to find alternatives to carry, another part of the strategy, released last week, reveals.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said the government had talked with farmers and representative bodies “to deliver the best possible investments for the industry as they move away from live sheep exports”.

“Our sheep industry is a proud and important part of our agricultural sector,” Ms Collins said.

“The assistance package announced will ensure WA sheep farmers benefit from new markets and the ever-growing export opportunities before us.”

Some of the assistance being offered includes:

$2.2m over the next two financial years to “assist shearing contractors develop a new approach to expanded employment service”;

$1.5m for grants up to $40,000 to assist livestock transport businesses; and

$2.4m for financial counselling over four years.

The package suggests shearing contractors could “pilot a new approach to broader agricultural employment”.

“Their role in supporting the seasonal wool industry, including via accommodation and transport services, positions them well to pilot new way of working, which can improve the viability of their business and enhance workforce retention,” the package said.

“This would also prepare workers for long-term industry roles, increasing both job stability and expertise.”

About $27m will be spent on developing market demand, while $30m has been allocated for farm business transition, but grants are capped at $75,000 and must be matched by the producer.

Australian Livestock Exporters Council chief executive Mark Harvey-Sutton described the transition package as “better than nothing” but said time would tell whether it would keep WA producers in the industry.

But he said a lot of the money allocated was to develop markets which did not already exist.

“What hasn’t been recognised is that we already had viable and legitimate markets in place in the first instance,” Mr Harvey-Sutton said.

“There will be members of the WA sheep supply chain that will try to access parts of the package but it’s clear it’s an outcome no one wanted and the sheep industry wants the trade back.

“The package they have been given is like asking them to accept a consolation prize.”

Sheep Producers Australia chairwoman Bindi Murray said the WA sheep industry had been disrupted by the removal of access to live export.

“This package will assist the industry to respond,” Ms Murray said.

“Our hope is that government enables industry to guide investments so that they deliver the best outcome for our sheep industry and encourage sheep numbers to stabilise and rebuild.”