The National Farmers’ Federation has hit out at the Federal Government over its proposed phase out of live sheep exports.
The government announced this month consultation was underway to inform how and when it would fulfil its election commitment to phase out the exports.
“Cancelling an entire industry based on activist demands sets a dangerous precedent,” National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) chief executive officer Tony Mahar said.
“What industry will be next?
“To wrench a key export market out from the Australian economy will have far reaching impacts on jobs and livelihoods in Western Australia, as well as our economy, agricultural systems and trade relationships.
“Our customers in the Middle East rely on the live sheep trade – and a range of other products – to put food on the table. We saw in 2011 the damage it can do to a bilateral relationship when you pull the pin on a country’s food supply. It risks compromising Australia’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high quality food and fibre.
“We are an export orientated industry – if government starts cancelling export markets this send a seriously bad message to farmers.
“The policy is based on an outdated campaign by welfare activists that ignores the significant animal welfare improvements made through heavy investment in new infrastructure and practices. The industry has been open and transparent about the reforms it has made.
“We need to be clear headed about what this actually means for animal welfare outcomes. If Australia steps back as a global leader in this trade, others with lower standards stand ready to take our place. A phase out would be a serious retrograde step for animal welfare.
“We stand by our principles that wiping out an entire industry is not the answer and will not engage with the newly announced panel whose ultimate goal is to shut down live sheep export.
“We’re not interested in discussing a phase out with the government. We’re ready to talk about the facts of the industry’s positive welfare improvements, and the immense downsides for the economy, animal welfare, and our trading relationships if this activist-led agenda becomes a reality.”
RSPCA
The RSPCA welcomed the news of concrete next steps towards a phase out of live sheep export, with the independent panel to report back by September 2023.
“This is an appropriate and sensible move and it’s good to see the government on track to setting an end date on this cruel and unfixable live sheep export trade,” said RSPCA Australia CEO Richard Mussell.
“An independent panel, at arms-length from government, with a diversity of expertise – including animal welfare expertise – will be well-placed to advise the government on how best to achieve a phase out.
“The question is not whether to phase out live sheep export – the Australian community and the government decided that a long time ago – but how.
“We reiterate our call that the government must legislate an end date during this term of Parliament. Putting legislation in place before 2025 is the only way to give Australian farmers certainty, to protect Australia’s reputation internationally, and to ensure that this cruel trade actually ends.
“The panel is due to report by September, which allows ample time for the government to consider the panel’s findings and prepare legislation, to be introduced and passed before the next election.
“Today’s announcement is another step closer to ending live sheep export, which has deep, inherent and unfixable animal welfare issues. We look forward to supporting the government throughout this process and to hearing the panel’s findings.”
Panel
An independent panel will lead the consultation process, chaired by former chief executive of the Murray Darling Basin Authority and senior public servant, Phillip Glyde.
The panel also includes Western Australian agriculture expert Ms Sue Middleton, former federal minister Warren Snowdon, and former RSCPA CEO Ms Heather Neil.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt encouraged all stakeholders to take part in the consultation process.
“This panel brings together a strong and diverse mix of skills and experiences that will help facilitate meaningful consultation with all interested stakeholders and provide important recommendations on a pathway forward,” Minister Watt said.
“Starting this consultation process is an important step towards developing a considered and orderly implementation plan that advances animal welfare, examines the needs of impacted individuals, businesses and local communities and identifies opportunities for future sheep industry growth.
“Phasing out live sheep exports by sea is a complex issue that will impact farmers, businesses, our trading partners, and the communities that participate in the trade.
“I am also conscious that the wider Australian community is interested in the phase out, including those that want to see animal welfare maintained and improved.
“Along with other measures, such as creating a new Inspector-General of Animal Welfare, the Albanese Government is delivering on our election commitment to strengthen animal welfare in Australia.
“My priority is to ensure the phase out occurs in an orderly way, with consultation and proper planning. Farmers and other industry participants need time to prepare, and that’s why the phase out won’t take effect during this term of Parliament.
“I encourage all stakeholders to participate and provide input into how and when the phase out should be implemented, including what’s needed to seize new opportunities, such as expanding onshore processing and exporting more of our high-quality sheep meat to the world.
“I will continue working closely with industry to ensure all animal welfare standards are maintained, as expected by the Australian community.”
More information about the phase out of live sheep exports be sea, including details of how to participate in the consultation process is available on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website at haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/Live-Sheep-Phase-Out
The panel will provide its report to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry by 30 September.
