Farm leaders have urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to reconsider the government’s decision to ban exports of live sheep by sea, saying the policy will cause “irreversible harm” to the agriculture sector and Australia’s $11.1 billion two-way trade with the Middle East.
The government set-up an independent panel in March to advise it on how and when to phase out the trade. It was recently granted a reporting extension to October 25.
In an industry letter sent to Mr Albanese on Thursday, the groups warned that the planned phase-out was a “red line issue.”
“No doubt there will be activist groups and non-farming interests urging you to stay the course on this policy,” it said.
“An opportunity exists for you to do the right thing and work with Australian agriculture, not against it – as this is the choice you will be making.
“Live export stakeholders are losing confidence in your government’s ability to work in their best interests and those of the Australian agriculture sector.”
The 25 industry signatories include the National Farmers’ Federation, Cattle Australia, Australian Live Exporters Council, Sheep Producers Australia and Grain Producers Australia.