Farmers express disappointment over government’s decision to end live sheep export by sea, with the Coalition promising to bring it back if elected.
Farmers are dismayed and angered following the passing of legislation to ban live sheep exports by sea from 2028 in Australia’s parliament.
David Jochinke, President of the National Farmers Federation, stated that farmers feel let down after investing in reforms to improve animal welfare in the industry.
Jochinke criticized the government for prioritizing political gain over farmers’ interests, leaving them feeling betrayed.
“They chose to ignore the lack of scientific evidence and the backlash against this misguided policy,” he said.
“Unless this ban is reversed, farming communities, animals, and Australia’s trade relationships will suffer.”
“We now have set a dangerous and unscientific precedent that will be celebrated by groups aiming to shut down Australian livestock production.”
Mr. Jochinke commended the Western Australian communities for their efforts to oppose the bill.
“These communities will face tough decisions in the wake of this decision,” he added.
Despite efforts by WA farmers and business owners to fight against the bill, they were unsuccessful in securing a reprieve.
Supporters of the “Keep the Sheep” campaign traveled to Canberra to plead their case and threatened to target marginal Labor seats if unsuccessful.
The ban will come into effect on May 1, 2028, with a transition package worth $107 million available to farmers.
Labor Committed to Ending Live Export: Minister
Agriculture Minister Murray Watt emphasized that the legislation is part of Labor’s commitment to ending live export.
“The industry has been in decline, with a 90 percent decrease in sheep exports by sea over the past 20 years,” he noted.
Opponents of live export argue that it is cruel, leading to animals suffering from heat stress during voyages and mistreatment upon arrival at their destination.
For instance, a sheep ship bound for Jordan was forced to turn back due to security concerns, leaving the remaining animals stranded in poor conditions off the coast of Perth.
The Coalition has pledged to overturn the bill if re-elected.
Nationals’ leader David Littleproud accused the government of disregarding farmers, expressing concerns that cattle shipments could be next on the chopping block.
“This decision is a result of Labor caving in to animal activists, despite Australia’s high animal welfare standards,” he stated.
In June, farmers warned a parliamentary inquiry that visited regional WA that some towns would face economic hardship if the legislation passed.
