The Australian Parliament’s Agriculture Committee has presented its advisory report for its inquiry into the Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Bill 2024, which will end the live sheep export trade by sea by 1 May 2028.

Media release issue date: Friday, 21 June 2024

The Australian Parliament’s Agriculture Committee has presented its advisory report for its inquiry into the Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Bill 2024, which will end the live sheep export trade by sea by 1 May 2028. The inquiry examined the provisions of the bill, including the authority for Commonwealth spending to assist those impacted to prepare and adapt. Committee Chair, Ms Meryl Swanson MP, said: ‘The bill fulfils the Albanese Government’s election promise to end the live export of sheep by sea while providing time and money for the orderly transition of industry to new avenues of production and trade.’ While acknowledging the strong opposition of sections of industry and local WA communities, Ms Swanson said that: ‘This matter has been extensively canvassed by governments and communities. The time has come to transition away from this trade. Like all transitions, it will not be without pain, but the outcome will provide industry with long-term certainty in line with community expectations.’ In addition to recommending that the bill be passed, the Committee has made two recommendations including that the Australian Government: considers making additional funding available to support the industry transition, potentially through the 2026 stocktake of industry progress; and continues to seek opportunities to work with the Western Australian Government to refine and implement the transition support package. The Committee held two public hearings in Canberra and Muresk, Western Australia, which took important evidence from a range of stakeholders representing industry, government, local communities and animal welfare groups. It received over 13,000 contributions from people supporting and opposing the bill and offering feedback on its contents. The Committee would like to thank all those who contributed to the inquiry through written submissions, correspondence and giving evidence at public hearings. The full report can be found on the Committee’s inquiry webpage. Media inquiries Kim Pagan, Media Adviser, Office of Meryl Swanson MP Meryl.Swanson.MP@aph.gov.au 0431 210 850 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The House Standing Committee on Agriculture has today commenced an inquiry into the Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Bill 2024, which will end the live sheep export trade by sea from 1 May 2028.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 4 June 2024

The House Standing Committee on Agriculture has today commenced an inquiry into the Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Bill 2024, which will end the live sheep export trade by sea from 1 May 2028. Committee Chair, Ms Meryl Swanson MP, said that the Bill fulfils the Government’s election promise to end the live export of sheep while providing time and funding for industry to adjust to the end of the trade. The Committee will examine the provisions of the Bill and its application to the live sheep export trade, especially in Western Australia. This includes the end of live sheep exports by sea and authority for Commonwealth spending to assist sheep farmers, businesses and communities to prepare and adapt. The Committee will hold two public hearings for the inquiry in Canberra on 12 June 2024 and in Muresk, Western Australia on 14 June 2024. “There are a range of views on this issue. The Committee is looking forward to meeting and talking with stakeholders in Western Australia,” Ms Swanson said. “The public hearing in Muresk will provide an opportunity for the Committee to meet those most affected. Anyone who would like to share their views on the Bill can engage with the Committee in a number of ways including by making a written submission, or attending a public hearing where the Committee plans to hold a community statements session.” Stakeholders are encouraged to contact the secretariat as soon as possible to register your interest. Submissions to the inquiry will be open until 11 June 2024. Further information about this inquiry, including how to make a submission can be found on the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Kim Latham, Media Adviser, Office of Meryl Swanson MP Meryl.Swanson.MP@aph.gov.au 0418 503 709 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4500 agriculture.reps@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.