Albanese Government Sheep Export Transition Plan Provides Final End Date for Cruel Trade
The Albanese Government has today released its plan to phase out live sheep exports, ending months of speculation and providing much-needed certainty for industry and stakeholders.
BACKGROUND POINTS
The Independent Panel on the Phase out of Live Sheep Exports submitted its report to government on 25 October 2023 following a six month inquiry, which received over 4,100 submissions
Australians overwhelmingly support the Federal Government’s policy to phase out live sheep exports by sea (78%, McCrindle, 2022)
Almost 44,000 Australians signed a Parliamentary petition – one of the largest official e-Petitions in history – calling on the government to legislate the date to end the cruel trade as soon as possible (August 2023)
The live export trade is in long-term structural decline and accounts for 0.1% of Australia’s agricultural exports
Australian chilled sheep meat exports are 58 times the value of the live sheep export trade ($4.5 billion v $77 million, 22/23, ABS).
The chilled sheep meat export trade to the Middle East alone is 8 times the value of the entire live sheep export trade ($632 million v $77 million, 22/23, ABS).
The Australian Alliance for Animals welcomed Agriculture Minister Murray Watt’s announcement, which sets an end date of 1 May 2028 and a generous industry adjustment package of $107 million.
The decision follows the recommendations of the Independent Panel to end live sheep exports and transition the industry towards chilled meat exports.
The Government also confirmed its intention to enshrine the phase out in law with the introduction of legislation in this term of parliament.
Alliance for Animals spokesperson Dr Jed Goodfellow said the announcement would come as a huge relief to many in the community.
“This is an historic decision for animal welfare and for the millions of Australians who have long called for an end to this inherently cruel and unnecessary trade.
“Australians do not support the export of live sheep to the Middle East because they know there is a safer, more humane alternative that adds value to local Australian supply chains.
“Live exports have been in long-term structural decline for decades so transitioning to the chilled and frozen lamb and mutton trade will strengthen local economies, create new jobs, and provide producers with a more secure and sustainable income stream,” Dr Goodfellow said.
“Supporting the phase out with a $107 million adjustment package gives confidence to the domestic processing sector while supporting them through the transition to 2028.
“The decision shows the Albanese Government has listened to the concerns of the overwhelming majority of Australians and it demonstrates the government is serious about delivering on its election commitment.
“We also welcome the Government’s recognition that this policy builds on our nation’s values of compassion and ethical treatment of animals, and the investment of $2.6 million in animal welfare measures as part of the transition package.
However, the Alliance remains concerned about the length of the phase out and the lack of interim measures to ensure export numbers decline in an orderly manner towards the 2028 end date.
“A 4-year phase out means tens of thousands of Australian sheep will still be sent by sea to the Middle East to face slaughter without stunning - the sooner the trade ends, the better.
NOTES FOR MEDIA
Media contact: Bron Matherson, 0438 844 765
Dr Goodfellow is available for interviews:
Dr Jed Goodfellow leads the Alliance’s law and policy reform agenda. He has over 20 years’ experience in animal welfare law, policy and advocacy. He completed his PhD in animal welfare regulation in 2015.
About the Australian Alliance for Animals
The Australian Alliance for Animals is a national charity leading a strategic alliance of Australia’s key animal protection organisations with a combined supporter base of over 2 million people. Core members include Animals Australia, Humane Society International Australia, World Animal Protection Australia, Compassion in World Farming, FOUR PAWS Australia, and Voiceless, the animal protection institute. Website: www.allianceforanimals.org.au.