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Live sheep export panel report kept secret by Albanese Labor government hiding impact on Australian farmers and trade

Labor keeps Independent Panel Report on live sheep exports confidential; The Nationals demand transparency, citing industry impact, advocating for trade preservation.

By news@gippsland - 24th November 2023 - Back to News

Labor is keeping the live sheep export industry in the dark, after refusing to release findings of its Independent Panel Report. Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request for the 230-page report to be released. However, Mr Littleproud's request has been denied, with the report to remain a secret, after the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry responded that it was refusing access due to Cabinet-in-Confidence.

Littleproud highlighted Labor's responsibility for stagnant sheep prices and criticised the lack of inquiry into high supermarket lamb prices

Live export report

Mr Littleproud said Labor needed to be transparent about the report, which Agriculture Minister Murray Watt received a month ago, after a live sheep export phase out panel travelled around Western Australia but failed to properly consult with the industry. "I am incredibly disappointed that Labor sees fit to remain secretive about phasing out the live sheep export trade," Mr Littleproud said.

"If Agriculture Minister Murray Watt is so confident in his decision to phase out the industry, why won't he release details of the report? Labor is destroying the livelihoods of more than 3000 people who work in the trade and an industry worth $85 million.

"Minister Watt didn't have the courage to travel with the panel and look farmers in the eye himself to say he was stopping the trade - now he doesn't even have the courage to release the report," he said.

Sheep Industry Concerns

According to Meat and Livestock Australia, some sheep and lamb categories have fallen by up to 70 per cent in the saleyards in the last 12 months. Mr Littleproud added Labor had allowed sheep prices to flatline but also failed to investigate why families were still paying high prices for lamb at the supermarket, through an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission investigation.

"We now know Minister Watt made decisions without being given proper modelling or details into the impact of banning live sheep exports and without evidence. This is an industry that has already lost confidence, with sheep prices plummeting. Labor is destroying a whole industry. It will impact the sheep and wool industry across Australia."

"Farmers are broken over this decision - it is also having an enormous emotional impact on thousands of people. If Minister Watt is so confident in his decision and the science behind it, details about the Independent Panel Report must be released. A future Coalition government with The Nationals will ensure the live sheep export trade is saved. Unlike Labor, The Nationals support Australian farmers and their exports," he said.

Pictures from Agriculture Victoria Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Thirty-five South Gippsland farmers explored carbon farming at Malabar Farm, learning practical ways to improve soil health, reduce emissions, and farm sustainably while sharing knowledge with peers.
• South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
  South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months.
• South Gippsland Shire Council celebrates major project milestones and strong financial performance, and achievements in 2024/25 Annual Report
  South Gippsland Shire Council's 2024/25 Annual Report highlights major infrastructure projects, strong financial management, expanded community services, and full achievement of Council Plan initiatives across the past 12 months.
• Darren Chester welcomes Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment with pavilion, changerooms, community hub
  Darren Chester welcomed progress on the Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment, delivering a new pavilion and modern changerooms, with government funding and volunteers supporting a safer, more vibrant hub for sport and community activities.
• Rokeby to Noojee $4M trail upgrade officially opens, enhancing accessibility, safety, and visitor experience across region
  A $4 million upgrade of the Rokeby to Noojee Trail has officially opened, delivering improved surfaces, facilities, signage and lookouts, with $3 million Victorian government funding and strong community contributions celebrated.
• Trafalgar Holden Museum celebrates iconic Australian Holden heritage, rare cars, memorabilia, and expanded exhibitions spaces
  The Trafalgar Holden Museum showcases Australia’s iconic Holden heritage, featuring over 75 vehicles, historic memorabilia, rare concept cars, and expanded exhibition spaces, offering an immersive experience for car enthusiasts and visitors.
• Darren Chester honours Gippsland farmers and workers on National Agriculture Day for vital regional contributions
  Darren Chester has praised Gippsland’s farmers and agricultural workers on National Agriculture Day, recognising their resilience, vital economic contribution and essential role in sustaining local communities and ensuring ongoing food security.
• Tim Bull says Victoria can’t manage current parks, criticising government plans to further expand network
  Tim Bull says expanding Victoria’s national parks is irresponsible, arguing existing parks are neglected, understaffed and overrun by pests, weeds and feral animals, with reduced funding making effective land management increasingly impossible.
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates food, wine, music and stories that showcase the region's vibrant spirit
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland blends local wine, food, and stories with live music, chats with growers, family fun, and creative experiences celebrating the region's vibrant culture and community spirit.
• Southern Rural Water supports South West Victorian farmers through groundwater access and the 'Farmer Helping Farmer' initiative
  A section of the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra, damaged by wombats, has been repaired. Water will return to full capacity, and normal delivery will resume tomorrow.
• GPAC’s Summer Nights series brings free outdoor movies and family fun to Gippsland community on 13, 14, 21 February and 20 March 2026
  GPAC’s Summer Nights brought families together with free outdoor movies, live entertainment, and food trucks, drawing strong community attendance and extending the series due to popular demand in Gippsland.
• Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition.
• Gippsland showcases energy transition leadership to Australian Energy Infrastructure commissioner
  Gippsland showcased its clean energy transition during Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar's three-day visit, highlighting coal, gas, wind, solar, storage, and community collaboration driving Victoria's evolving energy future.
• Stroll among thousands of vibrant roses in full bloom at Morwell's International Rose Garden Festival, 7 - 8 November 2025
  The 2025 Rose Garden Festival features free family fun with blooming gardens, workshops, live performances, markets, aerial theatre, kids' entertainment, and the spectacular AGL Loy Yang Night Light Installation.
• Independent Safety Assessment Contract awarded for Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool, ensuring community safety, and facility compliance
  East Gippsland Council has awarded a contract for an independent Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool safety assessment, reviewing facility condition, risks, compliance, and required upgrades while the pool remains closed.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Danny O’Brien urged immediate start on Wilsons Promontory revitalisation, including the proposed Yanakie Isthmus fence
  The Allan Labor government faces criticism for ongoing delays to the Wilsons Promontory sanctuary, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urging immediate construction to protect wildlife and complete the long-promised project.
• Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
  The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.