Expert panel appointed by the Minister for Agriculture to lead consultation on phasing out live sheep export

The AVA attended the ministerial briefing where the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator the Hon Murray Watt formally announced the commencement of a consultation seeking opinions from all stakeholders on the development of a transition plan to phase out live sheep export by sea. This is a Labor election promise that is set to occur in Labor’s second term of government. However, the planning is commencing now.

The consultation will be led by an expert panel appointed by the Minister and they will provide their report by September 30 2023. The panel's remit is to provide advice to the Minister on how the phasing out of live sheep export should occur, and when live sheep export by sea must stop. The merits of the policy are not within the remit of this consultation.

The AVA will engage in the consultation process in line with our live animal export policy. We will keep you informed around how you can be involved if you would like to be. The media release from Minister Watt's office can be found here.