David Littleproud says a future Nationals Government will maintain the live sheep trade, after Labor announced its live sheep export shutdown timeframe.
Agriculture Minister Murray Watt announced a $107 million plan to ‘transition’ the industry by May 1, 2028.
Mr Littleproud says Labor has never explained what it’s shutting the industry down.
“Compensation of just $64.6 million (to sheep producers and the supply chain) is an insult, especially when Meat and Livestock Australia figures show live sheep exports were 84,430 in December 2023, which was a 177 per cent increase in comparison with November export (58,732) and a 44 per cent increase on December 2022 exports (30,531).
Mr Littleproud said this decision will see the needless death of thousands of sheep, as countries that take up this market from Australia do not meet our world leading animal welfare standards.
Sheep farmer Ellen Walker said she was devastated by the minister’s announcement.
“This is like having a punch in the guts when you are already down,” Ms Walker said.
“I cannot understand why a government, who only a few months ago talked about opening up new export opportunities for Australia, is trying to shut down a lucrative export industry that has world-leading animal welfare standards just to satisfy a few activist voters.
“Labor obviously doesn’t care about us, our families, our communities or our industry.”
Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism, Kevin Hogan, said Labor’s decision proves they only care about inner city elites, and not about our farmers.
“The government is blatantly ignoring advice from industry representatives such as the National Farmers Federation who have said it would spell catastrophe for farming communities, animal welfare, and Australia’s global trading partnerships.
“This decision fails to acknowledge the vital significance of this industry to the supply chain of people, our nation’s trading partners, their food security, and the Australian economy.
“Further, we are seen to be turning our back on crucial trading relationships and putting into question our reliability as a trading partner.
“Our live cattle and sheep exports industry totals over $1 billion, and employs farm hands, truck drivers, fodder suppliers, livestock agents, farmers, producers, and their families.”
“Murray Watt has decided to book us on the express train to disaster”
The National Farmers’ Federation has slammed the Labor Government decision.
“Murray Watt has decided to book us on the express train to disaster, but this isn’t the final chapter in this story. We’ll keep fighting,” NFF CEO Tony Mahar said.
He described Labor’s compensation offer as pitiful.
“It’s cents in the dollar compared to what farmers have invested in their businesses, and it doesn’t touch the sides of an industry that will add billions to our economy in the coming years.
“It’s a devastating slap in the face when you consider they squandered $6 million just to produce this dodgy plan!”
