Rick Wilson (O'Connor, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

As 2024 draws to a close, I give a shout-out to the massive people power movement that has grown to prominence this year: #keepthesheep. Never before in my 11 years as a regional MP have I seen rural and urban Australians rise up as a grassroots force fighting to save the live sheep export trade. This 'farmy army' supports those who work hard every day to provide the food and fibre on which we all rely and deliver our international trading partners clean, green Aussie produce. Most Australians don't want to see this viable industry end just to support a woke agenda hellbent on destroying livelihoods of farmers, transporters, feedlot operators, shearers, stock agents and exporters.

The #keepthesheep movement has recruited over 105,000 supporters and amassed a war chest approaching $1 million. Just as Labor claimed their 2022 election win gave them a mandate to end this vital trade, #keepthesheep is sending a clear message to put Labor last in 2025. Their dedicated volunteers have been doorknocking for months, targeting key Labor held seats. But this campaign won't end in WA. No Labor seat is safe. They have only just started to fight and they're taking their battle to prepoll and to the booths on polling day. The hardworking people of the bush are fighting back: #keepthesheep.

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