Live export industry welcomes common sense delay to cost recovery changes

The Australian livestock export industry has welcomed the Federal Minister for Agriculture’s decision to delay the implementation of proposed cost recovery arrangements by 12 months, describing the move as a practical and measured response to industry concerns.

The decision follows recent consultation between government, exporters and industry representatives, during which significant concerns were raised about the sector’s capacity to absorb additional cost pressures.

Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) Chief Executive Officer Mark Harvey-Sutton said the delay provides much-needed breathing room for an industry already navigating a complex and challenging operating environment.

“The move to cost recovery was always going to be difficult and the current operating environment has added even more weight to the viability argument. We congratulate Minister Collins’ for her recognition of this and her support of the industry,” Mr Harvey-Sutton said.

“Exporters are facing a combination of challenges including a prolonged wet season, fuel access and affordability constraints and heightened geopolitical instability across key trading regions.

“In that context, the Minister’s decision to pause and allow more time is a commonsense outcome.

Mr Harvey-Sutton said the pause would also allow more time for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to consider feedback provided by the sector as part of its consultation process. This feedback has strongly advocated for an examination of the current cost base and for savings to be found to deliver long-term sustainability.

“We remain committed to working constructively with the Government to get this right. It’s critical that any cost recovery framework recognises the realities facing exporters and does not undermine the sustainability of this vital sector,” he said.

Australia’s live export industry is valued at around $1.3 billion annually and supports more than 13,000 jobs, particularly in rural and regional communities.