The Hon. David Littleproud, Leader of The Nationals, Media Release, 18 February 2025

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said live sheep export farmers have been dealt another insulting blow by the Albanese Labor Government, amid revelations $2.3 million of the budget allocated to phase out live sheep exports has gone to a global media company for advertising.

US-company Universal Media has reportedly been awarded the tender by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

It comes just weeks after Labor appointed Dr Chris Rodwell as the live sheep export transition ‘advocate’, a position that pays up to $1600 a day for up to 80 days.

“Labor continues to treat our live sheep farmers with callous regard,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Live sheep export farmers being forced to shut down their crucial trade will not be given even one cent of support until after the next election.

“Labor has turned its back on the farming industry and has treated our live sheep farmers with nothing but contempt. In the meantime, Labor is happy to throw money at overseas companies to spruik their terrible plan. A future Coalition Government will reinstate the live sheep export trade. If elected, my first role as Agriculture Minister will be to travel to the Middle East, to build those important relationships and ensure the live sheep export trade in Australia remains.”

Keep the Sheep advocate and The Nationals’ Western Australia Senate candidate Paul Brown said it is disappointing but typical.

“Labor is promoting their ideology with the funding, rather than actually allocating money to affected farmers, shearers, truckies and regional communities that will be adversely affected,” Mr Brown said.

“It goes to show the Albanese Labor Government is more about promoting themselves rather than filling the void of economic benefit to regional WA. This is on top of the sham co-design transition process, where we know there is a confected outcome that won’t deliver what the industry needs.