live exports

The Opposition has slammed the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments over their deeply flawed $139 million live sheep phase-out package - calling it a political stunt dressed up as support, with no meaningful industry consultation and not a single dollar in new funding.

The latest Sheep Producers Intentions Survey (SPIS), conducted by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Australian Wool Innovation (AWI), reveals a significant shift in producer sentiment and flock management strategies across the nation. This shift is being driven by volatile market conditions, extreme weather events, and regulatory changes, most notably the planned phase-out of live sheep exports.

Omika Upadhayay. India, the world’s most overlooked economic success story, is on the cusp of a transformation that could have profound implications for Western Australia’s sheep industry.

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.

Has our State Minister for Agriculture learnt nothing from the live export debate? ... So, what’s next if Jackie Jarvis ends up as WA Minister for Agriculture after the next election - imposing bans on intensive piggeries, dairy calves, long distance transport of livestock, live export of cattle?

In his latest attempt to channel Australia’s wealth into government-approved projects, Chalmers announced plans to steer the Future Fund toward housing and renewables, claiming these priorities will secure both national prosperity and a moral high ground. But if the Treasurer is serious about backing industries with real potential, it’s time to herd the Future Fund into the sheep yards of Western Australia, where $200 million could establish a state-of-the-art abattoir to breathe life into a sector gasping under the weight of Canberra’s policy redirection.  

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 told Senate Estimates today its ‘transition package’ for farmers won’t roll out until July, 2025, despite farmers starting to change production cycles now and significant reduction in sheep prices from Labor’s decision.

Western rock lobster fisher Anthony Manganaro, who operates out of the Two Rocks marina, was pleased to give federal Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell the chance to put a face to his name on Sunday. The establishment of marine parks and increasing regulations despite the WA western rock lobster fishery maintaining its ecological sustainability since it was accredited by the Marine Stewardship Council in 2000 were just two issues mentioned…

Tony Mahar is a seriously good operator, widely respected across the ag sector, but one suspects the government is hoping he’ll morph into their Lord Hee-Haw—a smooth-talking apologist who can help them roll out their 40 turbines a month, and thousands of kilometres of power lines across picturesque rural farmland   by 2030 ... The government must be worried as the bush is in revolt and the government's secret polling must have them worried.   Hence the roll out of the conservative version of Henry Kissinger to calm the locals.

Sophie Baldwin. 'No farmers, no food’ was the battle cry as farmers from across the country descended on Federation Mall in Canberra on Tuesday, united in a desire to send a clear message to the Federal Government. Australian farmers have had enough of poor government policy and appeasing the green vote impacting on their ability to feed the nation – and the world.