The Government’s proposal to ban live sheep export has spurred the Coalition Agricultural Policy Committee to the speak to the industry directly to give them a platform to send their reaction to the Government back to Canberra.
Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey chairs the policy committee and said the Albanese Government’s determination to abolish the live sheep trade is depressing markets and is causing concern amongst producers.
“Consequently I am leading our Ag, Water and Environment Policy Committee, in holding a series of key meetings across South Australia and Western Australia next week,” he said.
“We will hold a session in South Australia on Tues, March 5th and a series of forums across Western Australia from the 6-8th March and are looking for growers and industry reps, including transport operators, stock agents, exporters, shearers and feed suppliers to air their views and provide examples and share experiences so we are properly equipped for the ongoing battle in Canberra.
“This appalling decision by the Government is driven by inner-city left-wing enthusiasts who have little knowledge or understanding of the industry and who either don’t know or don’t care as to why it is so important to regional communities.
“Millions have been spent by the industry in upgrading ventilation on ships, decreasing onboard stocking rates, better handling, feed and water and carrying vets onboard. The ESACS system has ensured Australian animals are tracked beyond demarcation and slaughtered in an appropriate manner.
“There can be no doubt the Albanese Government’s decision hangs like a black cloud over the Western Australian market and as the closest neighbouring market, it is depressing ours as well, here in South Australia.
“That Agricultural Minister Murray Watt commissioned a report into “how” and not “if” the live sheep trade should be phased out, tells us clearly, they are not interested in the facts only in the “vibe” in the seats where they are struggling to hold ground against the Greens.”
Mr Ramsey said even more disturbingly, Minister Watt has been in the procession of the report since October 25 last year, but refuses to release its findings claiming it as an “in confidence” cabinet document.
“This decision threatens to shut an industry employing around 3000 people and those jobs are almost all in regional areas surely, he owes it to them to share the advice he is acting on,” he said.
“The SA meeting will be held in the Goyder Pavilion on March 5th at 2.00pm and I am urging all interested parties to attend. I have arranged for a leading WA agricultural leader, Steve Bolt to join us to brief on the impact in his state
“The committee will not be there to tell attendees what we think, we are there to listen to them and to take their concerns back to Canberra. If we want this industry to continue, if we want re-open the trade here in SA and provide a competitive alternative market to what now is a very narrow buyer base, we need the livestock industry to turn up and have their say.”
