Kerryn Phelps (Wentworth, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, it's my pleasure to second the Live Sheep Long Haul Export Prohibition Bill 2018 (No. 2), which has been introduced by the member for Mayo. During the recent by-election, the people of Wentworth made it clear to me that they will no longer tolerate the inhumane practices of the live sheep export trade. The bill proposes an end only to long-haul live sheep exports. It does not affect cattle or short-haul exports. This ban is to be phased in over five years. This is a measured and responsible lead time that will allow farmers, processors and the extended supply chain the necessary time to transition to chilled exports. This transition will allow additional jobs as domestic processing capacity is increased and will end the cloud of uncertainty over the industry that has hindered investment. The bill also proposes that from 2019 there will be no export of live sheep to the Middle East during the hottest Northern Hemisphere summer months of July, August and September. These measures will restore Australia's reputation as a nation of agricultural excellence.

I note that the government recently released the Moss review into the capability and culture of the live export regulator. The review found that regulation of the industry does not meet community expectations and that the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources needs to strengthen its regulatory capability and culture. This would include the establishment of an inspector-general of live animal exports to provide independent oversight and evaluation of the live animal export regulator and the regulatory system.

However, the release of the Moss report does nothing to change my view that live sheep exports must be phased out. The live sheep export industry has had plenty of chances to lift its game and in my view is beyond redemption. Having seen footage of live sheep being transported to the Middle East in terrible conditions, I see no justification for this inhumane trade. It is shocking and cruel that these animals spend weeks in extreme heat and overcrowded conditions, with many dying on the way to their destination. A poll conducted on 20 September by Animals Australia in the seat of Wentworth and subsequently released during the by-election campaign found that 72.2 per cent of people surveyed in the electorate of Wentworth said that they support a phasing-out of live sheep exports. I said during the Wentworth by-election that I would follow the wishes of my electorate and back the phasing out of live sheep exports. This speech and my position honours that commitment. I commend this bill to the House.

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