Henderson defends decision on live exports bill

CORANGAMITE federal member Sarah Henderson has defended voting against a bill banning live sheep exports, calling the bill “disingenuous”, but her stance has been criticised by both Labor and the Animal Justice Party (AJP).

In May, Ms Henderson announced she would second a private member’s bill from Liberal MP Sussan Ley to phase out the practice, contrary to Liberal policy on the issue.

“The live export of sheep to the Middle East is inhumane and must come to an end,” Ms Henderson said at the time. Since then, both Ms Henderson and Ms Ley have been appointed as assistant ministers by new Prime Minister Scott Morrison, meaning they are not allowed to vote against government policy – such as Ms Ley’s bill or the new bill phasing out live sheep exports within five years passed by Labor and the Greens in the Senate earlier this month.

Explaining her decision not to cross the floor to support the new bill (which was eventually lost 72 votes to 70) in Parliament last week, Ms Henderson said “my personal conviction on this issue remains” and Labor’s attempt to bring on the motion “were a disingenuous attempt to disrupt parliament, masquerading behind the cause of animal welfare”.

“People are suggesting that, had the vote been different in the House of Representatives, we would have had the bill as a reality. Now, that’s not actually possible. Firstly, the motion was simply to debate the bill, not to pass it; and, secondly, all of the crossbench would have been required to support the bill and they don’t.”

Labor candidate for Corangamite Libby Coker said Ms Henderson’s “inexcusable backflip shows that she has abandoned her principles”.

“As a direct result, the cruel and inhumane live sheep trade will continue.

“Scott Morrison bought the Member for Corangamite’s silence on this matter by giving her a spot in the assistant ministry and all the perks that come with it.”

AJP western regional leader Andy Meddick said Ms Henderson and Ms Ley were “completely gutless”.

“We all know that (Ms Henderson) would have to quit her new appointment in order to cross the floor, but that is what the voters wanted her to do.

“They want their politicians to stand by their convictions, no matter the party line.”