❓ Mr Rundle questions the Premier on the proposed federal ban on live sheep export, highlighting potential job and income losses. The Premier acknowledges the industry's importance, affirms the state's support, and commits to engaging with the federal government, while respecting their mandate.
AnsweredQoN 413Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
LIVE EXPORT — FEDERAL GOVERNMENT POLICY
413. Mr P.J. RUNDLE to the Premier:
My question is to the Premier.
The SPEAKER : Does somebody
else want to go first? Does someone else on your side want to ask a question?
Mr D.A. Templeman : I do not
think the bells were rung.
Mr R.S. Love : I will go
first then. Sit down; the Premier is not here.
The SPEAKER : I am sure he
will be here shortly. I think you can start asking your question now; the
Premier is here.
Mr P.J. RUNDLE : Thank you, Madam Speaker.
The SPEAKER : I nearly missed
two o'clock myself because there was no little reminder bell that we
normally get on a Wednesday. Maybe we will sort that out for next time.
Mr P.J. RUNDLE : Yes, I understand
that.
Firstly,
I acknowledge in the gallery today our concerned sheep producers and supply
chain people whose livelihoods are at stake and who are doing a great job in
the world of live export. Given the ill-conceived federal Labor government's
proposed ban on live sheep export by sea and the potential loss of 3 500 jobs
and $130 million in income to this state —
(1) Can the
Premier tell those in the gallery today what he will do to stand up and be
counted on behalf of Western Australian sheep producers and the supply chain?
(2) When will the
Premier meet in person both the Prime Minister and the federal Minister for
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on this matter?
413. Mr P.J. RUNDLE to the Premier:
My question is to the Premier.
The SPEAKER : Does somebody
else want to go first? Does someone else on your side want to ask a question?
Mr D.A. Templeman : I do not
think the bells were rung.
Mr R.S. Love : I will go
first then. Sit down; the Premier is not here.
The SPEAKER : I am sure he
will be here shortly. I think you can start asking your question now; the
Premier is here.
Mr P.J. RUNDLE : Thank you, Madam Speaker.
The SPEAKER : I nearly missed
two o'clock myself because there was no little reminder bell that we
normally get on a Wednesday. Maybe we will sort that out for next time.
Mr P.J. RUNDLE : Yes, I understand
that.
Firstly,
I acknowledge in the gallery today our concerned sheep producers and supply
chain people whose livelihoods are at stake and who are doing a great job in
the world of live export. Given the ill-conceived federal Labor government's
proposed ban on live sheep export by sea and the potential loss of 3 500 jobs
and $130 million in income to this state —
(1) Can the
Premier tell those in the gallery today what he will do to stand up and be
counted on behalf of Western Australian sheep producers and the supply chain?
(2) When will the
Premier meet in person both the Prime Minister and the federal Minister for
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on this matter?
AnswerView source ↗
I, too, would
have benefited from the little reminder bells. I apologise for my lateness.
(1)–(2) Can I join everyone in acknowledging the members of
our primary industry producers here today. It is an important issue and I acknowledge
that. That is why the government's position has been steadfast and consistent
throughout. Former Premier McGowan and I share a view that the measures that
are in place safeguard and benefit the welfare of the sheep that are being
exported and that the safeguards that the industry themselves have put in place
are sufficient. That is a view we have put to the government. I apologise that
I have not met with the Prime Minister yet, Madam Speaker, because I have been
in Parliament answering members of Parliament's questions. I am happy
to do so but I will have the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister in due
course.
We
also supported the 2019 changes that were brought in. They made sure we avoid
exports in the northern summer. It is interesting to note that, since
that time, the number of live sheep that have been exported internationally has
increased. We acknowledge that those measures were put in place and they have
not been to the detriment of the industry. When I have the opportunity to meet
with the Prime Minister, I will certainly communicate my support for our
farming communities and this particular aspect, although I will say that the
federal government has a mandate to undertake this policy. They took it to the
last election and I respect the fact it has that mandate. Senator Watt has put
in place a panel to investigate this matter. We will, of course, make sure that
we engage with the panel to make sure that they are familiar with our views. I encourage
everyone else to do so as well. That is important. We have to make sure that
the federal government gets the message. The other observation I would make is
that the federal government has also committed to not implementing any sort of
bans in relation to live sheep exports in this term of Parliament. The
opportunity obviously continues to be there for us to make sure that Western Australia
gets its views across to the federal government. We will continue to do so.
have benefited from the little reminder bells. I apologise for my lateness.
(1)–(2) Can I join everyone in acknowledging the members of
our primary industry producers here today. It is an important issue and I acknowledge
that. That is why the government's position has been steadfast and consistent
throughout. Former Premier McGowan and I share a view that the measures that
are in place safeguard and benefit the welfare of the sheep that are being
exported and that the safeguards that the industry themselves have put in place
are sufficient. That is a view we have put to the government. I apologise that
I have not met with the Prime Minister yet, Madam Speaker, because I have been
in Parliament answering members of Parliament's questions. I am happy
to do so but I will have the opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister in due
course.
We
also supported the 2019 changes that were brought in. They made sure we avoid
exports in the northern summer. It is interesting to note that, since
that time, the number of live sheep that have been exported internationally has
increased. We acknowledge that those measures were put in place and they have
not been to the detriment of the industry. When I have the opportunity to meet
with the Prime Minister, I will certainly communicate my support for our
farming communities and this particular aspect, although I will say that the
federal government has a mandate to undertake this policy. They took it to the
last election and I respect the fact it has that mandate. Senator Watt has put
in place a panel to investigate this matter. We will, of course, make sure that
we engage with the panel to make sure that they are familiar with our views. I encourage
everyone else to do so as well. That is important. We have to make sure that
the federal government gets the message. The other observation I would make is
that the federal government has also committed to not implementing any sort of
bans in relation to live sheep exports in this term of Parliament. The
opportunity obviously continues to be there for us to make sure that Western Australia
gets its views across to the federal government. We will continue to do so.
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