Allegra Spender (Wentworth, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

():  I rise to speak on the Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Bill 2024. Most of us will remember the sickness we felt in our stomachs when we saw the ABC's 7.30 footage on board the Awassi Express back in 2018. We remember the sense of anger and injustice as we witnessed the appalling conditions those 60,000 sheep were exposed to—conditions that ultimately resulted in the inhumane death of 2,400 of these helpless animals from causes like heat exhaustion and dehydration.

It is because of this, and incidents like this, that the live sheep trade has lost its social licence in Australia. Over the past two years, I have received an ongoing stream of letters and calls from dozens of my constituents, horrified by these reports and images. Few issues have attracted such prolonged and emotive attention by my community, because animal welfare is an issue that cuts through Australians regardless of location or industry. All of us live among animals and we are collectively appalled by instances of cruelty and traumatised by the helplessness. I promised my community to fight for the end of live sheep exports and the government too promised the people of Australia to put an end to this trade.

I am pleased that under this bill the export of live sheep will be phased out by 1 May 2028. I am also pleased by the recognition of support needed for those adversely affected by the transition of this industry. That's because, while I support this bill, I do acknowledge that people's livelihoods are affected by this bill and that many farmers, particularly in WA, will need to adjust their businesses or leave the industry entirely—and this is hard. I have been moved by the scenes last week of Western Australians lining the streets and tuning into the House standing committee. I have even been contacted by concerned Western Australians, outlining the impact they feel it will have on farmers, businesses and communities in Australia. I have heard your concerns. And while the industry has introduced new animal welfare measures since the Awassi Express, such as mandatory vets on board for long voyages, I am just not convinced that any measure can guarantee the end of suffering during live exports.

The Australian Alliance for Animals, for instance, found that 60 per cent of voyages since 2018 have experienced heat stress while travelling across the equator and the Persian Gulf. Sheep are still exposed to cramped and unhygienic conditions, 24-hour lighting, constant loud noises and inadequate food and medical care on compliant vessels, resulting in distress and death. Furthermore, I do not believe that our duty of care for these animals stops at the point of destination. Despite our best advocacy efforts, Australian sheep continue to be handled poorly in overseas markets. The only way we can guarantee humane treatment of animals through to the end of life is to process these sheep here, where we can monitor and hold the industry to account effectively.

I have heard it said that Australia's treatment of live exports sets a global standard and that withdrawing from the industry will result in a void being filled by even worse conditions. This may be so, but doing something wrong better does not make it right. There will be an economic cost as the remaining exports are gradually phased out and that is why I am glad to see an economic support package included in this bill. This transition support includes $107 million, with $64.6 million of direct funding allocated to assist sheep producers and exporters transition to new opportunities, including the expansion of meat processing facilities.

For some years now, the industry has been in natural decline, with live sheep export occupying a smaller and smaller fraction of the exported sheepmeat and the Western Australia economy. From 2002 to 2023, in financial years, the number of live sheep exported decreased by 90 per cent. Last financial year, live sheep exports by sea made up 0.02 per cent of WA's gross state product and only 5.4 per cent of WA's total value of sheep exports, because the industry is already moving away from live sheep exports. However, I know that this ban will make it hard for some, and it is for these communities that the support package is essential.

This bill represents progress but 2028 is a long way away and our job is not yet done. The promise to end the export of live sheep was made two years ago, ahead of the 2022 election, but it will be another four years before this ban is fully implemented. While we work towards the deadline in 2028, we need to do everything possible to minimise animal suffering in the meantime, as well as work with the farmers affected to support them in their transition. We are headed in the right direction but we're not moving fast enough. I'm pleased the government is consulting on its Australian animal welfare strategy with the stated commitment to a national approach to animal welfare. That is essential in this country. I know the people of my electorate expect better for animals across Australia, including those live sheep exported, and they want this parliament to take action.

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