Minister Watt, it’s time to face up to the reality and accept the consequences of the government’s policy to ban live exports.

You and the Labor government have reaped the benefits of whatever preference deals were made to secure the support of the Animal Justice Party in the last election.  But at what cost to Western Australian farmers?

Federal Labor must acknowledge the negative impact this policy is having in Western Australia. Your policies have contributed to driving away buyers and the boats that are essential for alleviating the pressure on the sheep market.

The lack of activity in the sale yards is partly due to your government’s policies, and it’s time for you to acknowledge your role in this disaster.

The situation is dire, and as Minister for Emergency Management, you should be good at addressing an emergency.

The fact that the live export report you commissioned remains concealed speaks volumes about the economic motivations behind the political decision. The report reportedly confirms what every farmer knows, that the local processing industry cannot replicate the competitive dynamics provided by exporters in the market.

You are aware of it, we are aware of it, the report authors are aware of it, and undoubtedly, the Cabinet is aware of it now – there is no way you can replace the live export sector with local processing. 

It’s time to put an end to this charade, admit that your government’s policy was misguided, ill-conceived, and politically naive, that you’ve learned from this mistake, and the policy has been abandoned. It’s time to focus on bringing back the boats and reviving the Middle Eastern buyers.