Government searches for a live export phase out “advocate” as New Zealand moves to reinstate the trade

The role will be a crucial conduit between industry and government, and particularly well remunerated.

The federal government is on the hunt for a live sheep phase out “advocate” – in return for a hefty pay cheque.

The “transition advocate” will could earn up to $128,000 for 80 days’ work a year supporting the government’s phase out of live sheep exports by sea by 1 May, 2028.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said the role has been created to support the sheep industry, ensuring there was an open line of communication with the government.

“They will link stakeholders, producers and the supply chain to government, and act as a crucial conduit,” Ms Collins said.

The transition advocate will report to Agriculture Minister Julie Collins. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The role was one of 28 recommendations of an independent panel appointed by the federal government last year to advise on how and when it should phase out live sheep exports.

“The transition advocate should be an individual who is a trusted presence in the WA sheep industry or associated businesses and communities and who can represent their interests and viewpoints while working toward a successful transition period,” the panel’s report said.

Advertising of the role comes a month after it was revealed during Senate estimates that sheep producers would have to wait until mid-next year to receive any financial support from the federal government’s $139.7 million transition support kitty.

WA Farmers livestock president Geoff Pearson said the highly paid nature of the transition advocate role led him to fear a significant portion of the transition package would be squandered on consultants and advisers.

“Will this money ever touch the ground? We’re still in the situation where we’d like to see the industry left as it is,” Mr Pearson said.

Geoff Pearson and son Cooper at his property at Myalup, WA. Picture: Colin Murty/The Australian

Meanwhile New Zealand is in the process of assessing how it can reinstate its livestock export trade, little more than a year after it was shut down.

NZ’s Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard wants to amend legislation to allow for the reintroduction of livestock exports “while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare”. The trade was banned in New Zealand from April last year after storms sank a livestock ship killing 41 crew members and 6000 cattle.

“The government will introduce legislation changes to reinstate the trade, enhance oversight, and strengthen requirements for exporters to identify risks and manage the welfare of livestock exported by sea,” Mr Hoggard said.

“We will amend the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to ensure exporters effectively manage animal welfare outcomes throughout the entire supply chain.”

A discussion document on the proposed legislative changes will be released next year.

The plan does not include exporting livestock for slaughter, which has been outlawed since 2007.

National Party leader David Littleproud said New Zealand proved live animal export industries could be reinstated.

“The Nationals fully support our live sheep export industry and my first action, under a future Coalition Government in Australia, will be to reinstate the trade,” Mr Littleproud said.

National Farmers’ Federation president David Jochinke said moves in New Zealand to reverse their ban should raise alarm bells with the Albanese government.

Ms Collins did not want to comment on New Zealand’s policy.