Ban on Live Sheep Exports by Sea
Since the federal government announced its live sheep export ban in 2024, there has been significant community concern and uncertainty for farmers. Government consultation with primary producers and processors was lacking and untimely, leading to confusion and concern for the livelihoods of farming communities.
The Labor Government’s failure to adequately consult and collaborate with impacted communities has resulted in a poorly-timed and under-resourced phase out. The $107 million transition support funding should have been better targeted to increase certainty and financial returns for WA farmers and supply chain businesses.
Having spoken with farmers, processing facility owners, the Western Australian Farmers Federation CEO and Busselton Airport management, I believe significant economic opportunities have been overlooked by the Labor Government’s short-sightedness when legislating this ban in 2024.
As an Independent, I am accountable only to the people of Forrest. I have a responsibility to find the best outcome for the communities who live in this electorate. The number of sheep farmers in the electorate is relatively low. However, we have three large meat processing facilities and a proposed fourth to be built in Forrest.
There is considerable potential to increase the economic benefits for farmers and supply chain stakeholders if we process meat onshore and sell it into new and existing markets. I am not proposing sending processed meat to the existing live sheep recipients. Australian export markets for processed meat are well-established and much larger and more lucrative than the live sheep trade market.
I support the proposed upgrades of Busselton Airport which includes expansion of chilled freight capacity which would assist in getting processed meat into overseas markets.
I also support investment to develop an export and domestic mutton market to provide new product opportunities for primary producers, including Merino wool farmers to sell older sheep.
Livestock is an important component of farming diversification in WA with connections to transport, feed and farm suppliers and other adjacent employment opportunities that ensure the survival of small rural towns. To avoid unintended economic consequences for these smaller communities, we need appropriate investment to deliver a just transition before the ban comes into effect on 1 May 2028.
To evaluate the phase out, a review period has been scheduled in 2026/27. During this review, I will seek to amend the Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Bill 2024 to push back the introduction of the ban to ensure a fair and effective transition for regional and rural communities in Forrest.
The current phase out does not provide sufficient time for the expansions of meat processing facilities and the Busselton Airport. This assessment is based on individual business modelling and the ability to access finance, resources and labour to complete these upgrades.
I will also push for an additional $100 million for impacted farmers, on top of the $107 million transition support package, to be directed toward forward pricing for the production of lambs and the associated cost of feed. This measure would provide greater certainty for sheep farmers and regulate the market by extending the duration of the lambing season.
By evening out the processing season, all farmers will be able to access a meat processing facility when they need to, and in turn processors gain a longer, steadier season which creates greater opportunity for ongoing investment in the business and consistency for a skilled labour force to settle permanently in the region.
As an Independent, I am open to collaborating with all interested parties to find the best economic and social outcomes for the communities of Forrest.