Hon Colin de Grussa questions the Minister for Agriculture and Food regarding the impact of the proposed federal live sheep export phase-out on WA's agricultural sector and the McGowan government's response. The Minister acknowledges the question and provides data on sheep export numbers, abattoir activity, and animal welfare.

AnsweredQoN 473Legislative Council
Asked
11 May 2023
Portfolio
Agriculture and Food

QuestionView source ↗

LIVE SHEEP EXPORT — FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
POLICY
473. Hon COLIN de GRUSSA to the Minister for Agriculture and
Food:
I refer to the proposed phase-out
of live sheep exports by the commonwealth government.
(1) Does the
minister acknowledge that the effects of the commonwealth government's
decision are already being felt by the agricultural sector and associated
businesses well ahead of any ban or implementation of transitional
arrangements?
(2) If so, what
practical action has the McGowan government taken to provide assistance to
farmers, businesses and communities?
(3) What actions
have been taken by the McGowan government to ensure that there are no adverse
animal welfare outcomes in the short to medium term?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice
of the question.
(1)–(3) There
are several factors that influence the sheepmeat industry in Western Australia.
The actual numbers of live sheep exported from WA have increased and abattoir
numbers have stayed constant, while the numbers of sheep transferred interstate
have declined in 2023. There are no reports of on-farm animal welfare incidents
at the present time.

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