Government supports ‘strong animal welfare standards’ for live sheep export industry

Transport Minister Catherine King says the government supports “strong animal welfare standards” for the live sheep export industry. In 2023 the government appointed an independent panel to consult on how and when the transition to phase out live sheep exports should take place. “We need to partner with the industry to shape a strong and sustainable future for the Australian sheep wool and sheep meat industry,” she said during Question Time on Wednesday. “People earnt their livelihoods from this sector but we also know that we are implementing our commitment to phase out live sheep export in a considered and orderly way. “That work is important, it’s why the phase-out of live sheep export by sea will not occur during this term of parliament.”