News

Government needs to go back to the drawing board on live exports

The Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) today warned Labor MPs speaking on live sheep exports were simply using tired and factually incorrect arguments in parliament when debating a private members motion put forward by the Member for Grey, Rowan Ramsay on Monday.

“This gives us a clear view into the easily refuted arguments that the Government will try and use to ban the trade when they finally respond to their independent Panel’s report” he said.

“The Government only had tired old talking points, some even citing examples from up to 40 years ago.”

“The truth is that the industry has reformed, and it is growing. In 2023 volumes were 30 percent higher than 2022, all while this policy has hung over the industry’s head. We have also sent approximately 40,000 sheep to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2024 – a market that only reopened this year.”

To call the trade defunct is insulting in the extreme to the thousands of farmers in WA that have said their businesses rely on the trade.

“The argument that chilled or boxed meat will replace live animal exports is also a fallacy. Many of our international trading partners already take chilled meat but remain our largest markets for live animals.”

“Ignoring their preferences and market demand is an arrogant position for Australia to take. Numerous strategically important trading partners in the Middle East have made representations to the government to this effect – yet they go unanswered. The Government puts more at risk than international investment in agriculture with this attitude.”

Mr Harvey-Sutton also said the way Government MPs parroted anti-ag groups’ lines regarding stock onboard the MV Bahijah was concerning and disappointing.

“Misrepresentations and half-truths about the animals onboard the Bahijah is another argument that is easily refuted by facts. It is also worth noting that this consignment included 5000 head of cattle. A call for bans due to the Bahijah, means a ban on cattle too. Is this what this government really wants? What will be next?”

“If the Government really wants to convince the Australian public, particularly the Western Australian public, of their reasons to ban the trade they will have to do better than standing up and reading activist talking points.”

“I would suggest they go back to the drawing board and come up with some factual arguments. Or better yet – drop this ridiculous policy that can only cause harm to Western Australians – particularly its farmers.”

“If I want legal advice I would ask a lawyer. If I want medical advice I ask a doctor. If I want advice on farming I would ask a farmer – it speaks volumes that the government is not listening to those that work in this profession.”

“Australian agriculture won’t take this policy lying down and exporters will back farmers all the way when it comes to campaigning against it. We will stand by you while the Government plays politics with your livelihoods.”

MEDIA

0491 276 036 media@livexcouncil.com.au