Dr Chris Rodwell appointed live export phase out transition advocate

A Western Australian-based CSIRO program manager has been appointed to facilitate the phase out of the live sheep export trade.

The federal government has appointed Dr Chris Rodwell as the transition advocate to support the implementation of the live sheep export phase out by May 1, 2028.

Based in Western Australia, Dr Rodwell has most recently been engaged by the CSIRO, working as group leader for the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, and previously worked as deputy chief veterinary officer for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Before that, he was executive director of animal health and welfare for the Ministry of Primary Industries in New Zealand.

Dr Chris Rodwell is the new transition advocate. Picture: LinkedIn

In a statement on Wednesday Dr Rodwell said he felt well-positioned to act as a conduit between industry and government, and ensure the interests of the sheep supply chain were heard.

“I plan on listening to industry to make sure the activities in my workplan best reflect how I can assist the current sheep supply chain to transition to a future without live sheep exports by sea,” he said.

“I plan to start by observing some of the co-design workshops in coming weeks.”

The term of the appointment will be until June 30, 2029, with remuneration between $1200-1600 a day, for up to 80 days a year.

The government has allocated $1.7m to establish the role and support its administration.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said Dr Rodwell’s role “will be important in achieving a successful transition to the end of the trade” and will play a “critical role linking stakeholders, producers and the supply chain to the government”.

This comes a week after The Weekly Times revealed Sheep Producers Australia would no longer engage in the design of transition initiatives, including the transition advocate role.

In a private email from SPA chief executive Bonnie Skinner to Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry staff, Ms Skinner wrote: “It is clear from your communication that the government has already established its own transition plan, without industry input.”

Australian Livestock Exporters Council also declined to participate in the “co-design” process over the next three years.