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HomeTake ActionLive Sheep Export Phase Out

Australia is closer than it has ever been to ending live sheep export. To ensure this actually happens, an end date for the trade must be legislated as soon as possible, and before the next federal election.

Sheep suffer throughout the live export journey, which can take months, and welfare issues are cumulative and inherent across the supply chain.

They’re at risk of suffering extreme heat stress, poor conditions and overcrowded stocking densities that increase discomfort, and can limit access to food and water for some animals.

They’re at risk because of the unavoidable reality that live export leads to weeks of stressful circumstances for the sheep including repeated handling by unfamiliar people, standing in their own faeces and urine, unfamiliar environments with loud noises, varied ventilation, high humidity, mistreatment and inhumane slaughter practices once they disembark at their destination.

Finally, all that is about to change ...

The Federal Government has reaffirmed their commitment to transitioning away from live sheep export to a better future, once and for all. 

Now, they’ve appointed an independent panel to consult on – not if – but how and when this transition should take place.

We need your help to inform this process and make sure a sound transition happens. 

Specifically, the current consultation process will guide the Government’s timeline and next steps in transitioning away from live sheep export. 

Most importantly right now, the Government must legislate an end date this term of Parliament — otherwise, this important action might not happen, prolonging uncertainty for Australian farmers, further damaging our international reputation and subjecting countless more sheep to this unacceptable risk.

We can also remind the Government and farmers why this is the right thing to do, and a decision we support.

You can help us by making a submission yourself; or by adding your name to our push to legislate the date in this term of Parliament.

 

How you can help

There are three things you can do to help us:

1. Make a submission to the Federal Government’s consultation process, by 31 May. Remember, it’s about how and when, not if – so we encourage you to let the Government know just how important it is to set the end date this term of Parliament.  Read our submission guide to find out more.

2. Don’t have time to make a submission? Fill out the form below to let us know you support setting an end date this term of Parliament – including, if you prefer, for your details and a message to be passed on to the panel.

3. Attend one of the online public forums that the panel is hosting throughout May — head here and follow the prompts to register your attendance and hear directly from the panel about the phase out.

 

Support our push

We are at a pivotal point for change for Australian sheep. We have a real opportunity to improve the welfare of hundreds of thousands of sheep every year – but the next crucial step, in this term of Parliament, is to set the end date.

 

The submission is yours, of course, but we suggest including some of the following points:

  • Setting an end date this term of Parliament is vital to ensuring the phase out occurs, to avoid prolonged uncertainty for Australian farmers, and our international reputation sinking even lower because of live sheep export
  • Remember, the Government have already made it clear that they are committed and the phase out will go ahead, so focus your message on how and when you would like to see a phase out.

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