This week, campaigners celebrated a major win as the years-long battle to ban the live export of sheep was finally passed in parliament.
The practice will officially end by 2028.
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Animals Australia reports that three million animals have died in live export from Australia, and that’s not to mention what happens to them once they arrive at their destination.
However, this decision significantly impacts farming communities who depend on this trade for their livelihoods.
In today’s Briefing, we chat with John Hassell, a WA farmer and Vice President of the National Farmers Federation, to discuss the future of the industry and what farmers wish they could say to those who are against the practice.
The ban will transition the industry from live exports to refrigerated meat, slaughtered domestically, to avoid the cruelty of long journeys and overseas treatment.
Mr Hassell said the decision raised concerns within farming communities, particularly in Western Australia, where the trade is a vital source of income.
He emphasised the economic impact on farmers and questioned if the four-year transition period to refrigerated trade is sufficient.
“What people don’t realise is that we’ve got to where we are as a society based on the food production systems we’ve got now. That doesn’t mean we should have any kind of inherent cruelty,” Mr Hassell said.
He said that farmers feel their livelihoods are misunderstood by inner-city voters, who largely support the ban.
“The reality is they’ve got lots of space, food and ventilation, so there is no inherent cruelty. I deny that that is the case. And so just because people keep saying it does not make it true.”
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