Jana Stewart (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

It feels like we have found ourselves in a Finding Nemo movie, with those opposite acting like a bunch of Dories with short-term memory loss that have somehow forgotten we went to the last two elections with a commitment to end live sheep export by sea. It is an odd position that we find ourselves in—that in 2024, just because of a by-election in Melbourne, they are saying we have come up with a new policy, forgetting in their short-term memories that we committed to it at the last two elections. It's odd.

But we are now delivering on that commitment to the Australian people and providing certainty for farmers and communities that rely on the trade. The export of live sheep by sea from Australia will end on 1 May in 2028, with legislation enacting the phase-out to be introduced in this term of parliament. We have committed $107 million to assist the sheep industry with the transition away from live export and take advantage of the increased demand for sheepmeat around the world. While Senator Brockman is talking about that being a pittance, do you know what I don't think farmers think is a pittance? The $144 million that the sheep export industry decreased by during their term of government. That's $144 million or 1.5 million head. That is not a pittance. I am sure the sheep farmers will think that is a significant amount. That happened under their watch. While they are getting up and carrying on now, with their short-term memory loss, about the banning of live sheep export by sea, that is a significant amount for sheep farmers in this country.

The Albanese government has committed $107 million for the very orderly transition of the phase-out of the live sheep export by sea and to take advantage of the increased demand for Australian sheepmeat around the world. What that means in real terms is more jobs right here. Those opposite seem to be allergic to thinking about more jobs here. We have always promised an orderly, considered transition. Our process and way forward strikes the right balance, based on extensive industry and community consultation. This comprehensive package will assist farmers to plan and take advantage of existing and emerging opportunities in the value chain, support communities to respond to the change and ensure animal welfare is prioritised throughout the transition.

We are providing early support for affected sheep farmers, supply chain businesses and communities, particularly those in WA. We want to ensure those affected by the phase-out can build resilience and establish a strong position in advance of the trade ending. The Albanese government will work with a range of delivery partners to stand up the transition funding support. There is every reason to feel optimistic about the future of Australia's sheep industry and those associated with the sector. The Australian sheep meat industry is booming and has a bright future ahead. Our package will help it continue to grow, creating more local jobs and Aussie sheep products grown and value-added to right here in Australia. The Albanese government's policy of phasing out live sheep export by sea from Australia marks an important step forward for sheep welfare, reflecting what I would think are our nation's shared values of compassion and ethical treatment of animals. When I say 'we', I would hope that those opposite would share those values too.

There are a couple of important things to draw out, in my remaining time, about the phasing out of live sheep exports. The first is that this is delivering on the government's commitment. That's something that we do, on this side of the chamber—we deliver on our commitments. I don't think those opposite are familiar with that. The other really important fact in all of this conversation is that live sheep exports by sea are a small proportion of our sheep exports. Australia is one of the largest exporters of sheepmeat and wool, yet live sheep exports are only around one per cent. It means more Australian sheepmeat processing and better sheep welfare outcomes. It's supporting industry and individuals to adjust. And government will continue to support the live cattle industry.