Live sheep exports: Greens seek meeting with Agriculture Minister Murray Watt on live sheep exports phase out

The Albanese Government and Greens are on a collision course over the live sheep export phase out.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared the phase-out of live sheep exports won’t happen before 2025 in a move that has already upset the Greens.

Mr Albanese said in Perth today that extensive consultations required for a phase out would prevent it happening in this term of government.

Greens Animal Welfare spokeswoman Senator Mehreen Faruqi said late today live sheep exports could not be made safe for the animals and there was “no need to kick the can down the road”.

“We need a plan and a clear timeline for a phase out,” she said.

“This should be high priority for the new Agriculture Minister, who I will be seeking a meeting with in the new parliament.”

NSW Greens Senator Dr Mehreen Faruqi. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi)

Fellow Senator Murray Watt was appointed Agriculture Minister this week and yesterday he confirmed the government would ban live sheep exports by both air and sea, but did not put a timeline on the phase out.

Mr Albanese told Perth ABC: “No one’s envisaging a phase-out in this term of government.

“We’ll sit down and we’ll work these issues through cooperatively and respectfully.

“We haven’t put a time frame on that because we want to make sure that we consult with farmers and work it through in a co-operative way to make sure we get a win-win situation.”

Earlier this week, Western Australian Farmers Federation president John Hassell was banking on the popularity and influence of his state’s Premier, Mark McGowan, to reverse Labor’s policy to phase out live sheep exports.

Labor’s decision to revisit the end to live sheep exports in the federal election campaign was met with immediate resistance from Mr McGowan.

The state’s Labor leader is comfortable revised safeguards such as suspending exports in the hot northern summer and additional vet checks are working.

The majority of the 600,000 sheep exported annually were from Western Australia and the industry employed 3000 people.

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt. Picture: Supplied

Mr Hassell said federal Labor would have a battle on its hands pushing forward with ending live sheep exports given Mr McGowan’s public opposition.

“He is an enormously popular premier over here with an enormous amount of power,” Mr Hassell said.

“When he speaks he means it and I think he will be able to keep it because it’s an important industry for Western Australia and Australia as a whole.

“It is worth $92 to $94 million, a multiplier effect of $400 to $700 million, why would you throw that out?

“If Labor can govern in its own right it will be a very important thing for Australia as a whole.

“We need to go to the government and say this is an important industry.

“But it’s the thin end of the wedge.

“Animals Australia have made an absolute commitment they want to get rid of all animal exploitation.”

WA Premier Mark McGowan and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Senator Faruqi said earlier this week: “In the balance of power, we will keep pushing Labor to bring live sheep export to an end sooner rather than later.

“A vague commitment to a phase-out from Labor isn’t good enough.

“I urge the incoming government to unequivocally commit to a phase-out, set a clear and swift timeline, and a proper transition plan for the workers.”