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‘It’s not good enough’: WA, federal governments at odds over live sheep exports ban plan
The state and federal governments are at loggerheads over the planned phase out of live sheep exports by 2028, with WA Premier Roger Cook branding the move “not good enough” and demanding more industry support.
Federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt travelled to Perth on Saturday to confirm the federal government would legislate a ban on live exports by sea by May 1, 2028, as recommended by an independent panel report.
Federal Agriculture Minister Murray announcing the ban in Perth today.Credit: Jesinta Burton.
Watt said the government would support the industry through the transition to the tune of $107 million to execute the election pledge, half of which will be spent helping producers and the supply chain capitalise on untapped opportunities and expanding onshore processing.
He insisted the package was more than sufficient for an industry that had been in free fall for the past two decades.
Live exports by sea have dropped 90 per cent since the turn of the century to 652,000 head and now make up just one per cent of WA’s agricultural exports.
Watt pointed out the industry was worth just $77 million to the national economy, significantly less than the $4.5 billion sheep meat exports were worth, and the plan would deliver certainty for farmers and better animal welfare.
But the announcement drew the ire of Cook, who demanded his federal counterparts come back to the table with more funding because the offer was simply not good enough.
“I have been clear right from the start: their plan will negatively impact our regional communities in WA. Our position has been consistent,” he said.
“We have maintained all along that the current animal welfare measures, including the northern summer live export ban, are sufficient.
“WA farmers are already doing it tough with the drought conditions and that’s why I am calling on the Commonwealth to do more to help our farming families, especially at a time when they need it most.”
The comments were echoed by WA Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis, who said the phase out was bound to negatively effect regional communities and the livelihoods of many.
Modelling shows the decision would cost the industry more than $123 million each year, with as many as 400 regional jobs at risk.
Opposition leader Shane Love, however, warned that figure was likely to run into the thousands when considering the entire supply chain, labelling the announcement a “dark day” for Australian sheep producers.
WA Opposition leader Shane Love and agriculture spokesperson Peter Rundle.Credit: Jesinta Burton.
Love was especially scathing in his criticism of Watt’s delivery of the decision, after WA stakeholders were advised via an online meeting mere hours before the federal minister fronted the press.
“It’s a gutless act from a minister who kept his secret mission to himself as long as possible before rumours began circulating about his trip to Western Australia,” he said.
“It’s a low act from a person who has consistently refused to engage meaningfully with the agricultural industry here.”
Eungai and Jaloran Merino studs boss James McLagan from WA’s Wheatbelt said the industry was struggling financially in the face of record low rainfall and the rising cost of feed and that the decision would only further compromise the state’s food security.
“[Watt] doesn’t give a stuff about the hardworking families here and those around the kitchen table at night: today has demonstrated that,” he said.
“In the short time he has been in government he has managed to reduce confidence [in the industry] to zero.
“A product that was worth $250 years ago is now worth no more than $5, and that’s become a burden for me and every other sheep producer trying to find money to keep up the standard of care for those animals — but we will do that.”
Nationals leader David Littleproud has already vowed to maintain the live sheep trade if it wins government at the next election, while The Greens have declared the move a win for whistleblowers and animal welfare.
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