Senator the Hon Murray Watt
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Minister for Emergency Management
Anne Stanley MP
Government Whip
Member for Werriwa
Albanese Government to Phase Out of Live Sheep Exports by Sea
The export of live sheep by sea from Australia will end on 1 May 2028, with legislation enacting the phase out to be introduced in this term of Parliament.
Member for Werriwa, Ms Anne Stanley MP, said the government was taking these measures to protect the welfare of Australian sheep.
“Communities across the nation have made it very clear for many years now that they expect Australia to have the world’s best animal welfare practices,” Ms Stanley said.
“The Albanese Government made a promise to strengthen animal welfare going into the 2022 election – today we are delivering.
“Phasing out live sheep exports by sea by 1 May 2028 marks a considerable step forward for sheep welfare, reflecting our nation's values of compassion and ethical treatment of animals.
“I recognise that many in Werriwa will want to see the trade stopped tomorrow, and others not at all.
“This announcement strikes the right balance, based on extensive industry and community consultation.”
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said a $107 million Federal transition support package has been committed for the for the phase out.
“This is a comprehensive package that will assist to strengthen supply chains, develop market opportunities and improve animal welfare,” Minister Watt said.
“With the Australian sheepmeat sector booming, our sheep industry has a bright future.
“It is expected that industry will adapt to the phase out through processing sheep here in Australia adding value locally, supporting increased farm gate returns and creating local jobs.
“We all know Australians love their lamb, but now the rest of the world is catching on with demand for lamb and mutton products continuing to grow.”
Australia’s lamb and mutton exports were worth $4.5 billion in 2022–23, and around $3.5 billion to domestic retail markets. Live sheep exports by sea were less than $77 million in 2022–23, less than 0.1% of Australia’s estimated agricultural production in that year.
“While live sheep exports have shrunk by $338 million over the past 20 years, our sheepmeat exports have grown by over 300% over that same period, with exports to the North Africa and Middle East region more than tripling in value over this period,” Minister Watt said.
“This package will provide more consumers, at home and overseas, the opportunity to sample Australia’s world class sheepmeat products.”
Further details about the transition support programs will be released early in the second half of the year.
For more details on the government’s response visit: www.agriculture.gov.au/live-sheep-phase-out.
Media contact:
Stanley: Alaa Ahmad – (02) 8783 0977
