Australia’s live sheep exports are to end by 2028 after legislation passed Parliament last night, despite last-minute attempts by farmers to sway the decision.
The Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA) of Western Australia has slammed Labor senators for ‘failing’ regional WA.
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The phase-out was a 2022 Labor election commitment and has sparked concern for farming communities across Western Australia. WA is the only state that currently exports live sheep by sea.
PGA President Tony Seabrook said Labor has missed the point.
“You are meant to represent West Australians as senators absolutely, and so far you have failed absolutely miserably,” Seabrook said.
Labor’s move is supported by animal activists, who say the live export trade is cruel to livestock.
RSCPA Chief Scientific Officer Dr Susan Fowlers deep dives into the live export crisis on The Briefing:
Agriculture Minister Murray Watt told parliament a $107 million package would support affected farmers to transition away from live export.
Liberal Senator Michaelia Cash said the bill is an “insult” to Western Australians.
“This bill is not about creating jobs, this bill is about closing down an industry,” Cash said.
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