THE NATIONALS WELCOME WA PREMIER CALLS TO ‘RECONSIDER’ LIVE SHEEP EXPORT BAN

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud has welcomed calls by Western Australian Premier
Roger Cook for the Federal Labor Government to reconsider its ‘unnecessary’ policy of
phasing out live sheep exports.
Mr Littleproud backed Mr Cook’s comments in WA Parliament, that reforms had been
sufficient and checks and balances had been put in place.
“The Nationals 100 per cent agree with Mr Cook that stopping the live sheep export trade is
an ‘unnecessary burden’,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I am pleased that the WA Premier is standing by WA farmers and common sense has finally
prevailed with their state Labor Government.”
Mr Cook’s comments came after a report by the North Eastern Wheatbelt Region of Councils
(NEWROC) found the seven councils impacted, home to more than 400,000 sheep, would
see at least $128 million in lost revenue.
Mr Littleproud met with representatives of NEWROC in Parliament last week and said it was
disappointing Agriculture Minister Murray Watt refused to meet with them.
“Minister Watt didn’t have the courage to look the delegation in the eye and confront them
about the future of their communities. It’s now blatantly clear there is no scientific or
economic justification for federal Labor to shut down the live sheep export industry.
“Labor is also refusing to release details of its 230-page Independent Panel Report into the
impact of stopping the trade. Labor is destroying the livelihoods of more than 3000 people
and an industry worth $85 million.
“NEWROC’s report only reinforces The Nationals’ position that a future Coalition
Government will reinstate live sheep exports.”