Legislation introduced to Parliament provides certainty to ending cruel live export trade
The Albanese Government has today introduced legislation into Federal Parliament, enshrining the phase out of the live sheep export trade.
The Australian Alliance for Animals welcomed the move, with the legislation setting an end date to the trade of 1 May 2028, and providing a generous industry adjustment package of $107 million.
Alliance for Animals spokesperson Dr Jed Goodfellow said the legislation marked an historic moment in the history of animal welfare in Australia.
“For decades, Australian animals have been made to suffer in this cruel and unnecessary trade.
“The Australian community has overwhelmingly opposed it as they don’t accept animal cruelty, and they know there is a safer, more humane alternative that adds value to the Australian economy at the same time.
“The introduction of this legislation shows the Albanese Government has listened to those concerns and it demonstrates the government is serious about delivering on its election commitment.
“Supporting the phase out with a $107 million adjustment package gives confidence to the domestic meat processing sector while supporting them through the transition to 2028.
“This is a fair, common-sense package that strikes the right balance – it protects animal welfare and supports the industry to move forward towards a more humane and sustainable future at the same time.
“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.
“The politically motivated campaigning against the phase out, funded by wealthy foreign-owned live export companies, will not change that reality.
“Australia knows there is a better way, this legislation delivers it,” Dr Goodfellow said.
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).
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.