Australia to end live sheep exports

THE Albanese Government is pressing forward with plans to end live sheep exports by sea, amid opposition from the Coalition and some industry groups.

Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker spoke in Parliament last week about her commitment to the issue in the wake of what she described as widespread community concern in her electorate over the controversial trade.

“I’ve had countless phone calls and emails from constituents who have told me it’s time to phase out the trade,” she said.

Ms Coker said people were calling for an end to the trade everywhere she went.

“I want you to know, that I hear you and I stand with you in advocating for a sensible phase out of live sheep exports.”

She highlighted the distress caused by the recent MV Bahijah ship incident, where livestock suffered in extreme conditions for weeks, and said the chilled meat export industry was the future.

“According to Meat and Livestock Australia, last year was the biggest year for frozen lamb and mutton exports on record.”

WA Farmers president John Hassell said the policy was about politics rather than science.

“If you take into account the multiplier effect it could be worth up to a billion dollars to the Australian economy.

“Yet they [Labor] are sticking to their guns in my opinion being pigheaded and that’s not the way to govern a country.”

Ms Coker said ABS data showed frozen products were now 58 times the value of live sheep exports by sea.

“This data reflects there is an alternative – an alternative that means tens of thousands of sheep are not left confined in their own waste, having to endlessly endure the motion of a ship and – at times – unbearable heat.”

RSPCA chief science officer Dr Suzie Fowler said the organisation was pleased to see Ms Coker speak to the issue in parliament.

“It’s great to see support from Libby Coker and other MPs for a phase out of live sheep export.

Ms Fowler said that wherever you go in Australia, the community overwhelmingly wants to see this cruel trade end.

“As Ms Coker says, there is a better way – a transition to a more humane chilled and frozen meat trade.

“That’s what the community wants and expects.”

This phase-out will occur in the next term of Parliament, a move designed to allow businesses and individuals time to adjust.