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National Farmers' Federation and industry leaders protest live sheep export ban during Agriculture Minister Murray Watt speech

Industry leaders, including the National Farmers' Federation, walked out of Agriculture Minister Murray Watt's speech protesting Labor's decision to ban live sheep exports. David Littleproud criticised Labor's lack of industry understanding.

By news@gippsland - 15th May 2024 - Back to News

The National Farmers' Federation and other industry representatives have staged an unprecedented walk-out during Agriculture Minister Murray Watt's post-Budget speech today. New South Wales Farmers President Xavier Martin told Minister Watt his decision to ban live sheep was "absolutely shameful" in a public spray as he exited CropLife Australia's Budget Breakfast.

Farmers turned their backs on the Minister as he turned his own farmers. Cancelling a vital industry sets a dangerous precedent, farmers will resist, agricultural policy should prioritise evidence, science, and farmer input

Farmers' despair ignored

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said the chaotic scenes were embarrassing and Labor's own making, after Minister Watt had left the industry with no confidence in the Budget and committed to phasing out the live sheep export industry, destroying 3000 livelihoods in the process.
Mr Littleproud said he was dismayed that instead of listening, Minister Watt joked about the topic, telling the audience, "just as well I didn't talk about it earlier in the speech".

"Australia's farmers are in despair and desperate for help but they are getting treated with contempt by an out-of-touch Labor government and an Agriculture Minister who couldn't give a rats about the industry. The walk-out this morning by our nation's farmers - those who clothe and feed us - was an act of frustration and a reaction to a government who won't listen and doesn't understand how agriculture works," Mr Littleproud said.

Sheep export betrayal

Minister Watt announced Labor would phase out the live sheep export industry by May 1, 2028, just days prior to the Budget. "Minister Watt didn't even have the courage to fly to Western Australia and face farmers, instead announcing from a high-rise in Perth, it's just a big 'up yours' to Western Australian farmers."

"Industry has never had the science to explain to them why they are closing the industry down. Compensation of just $64.6 million is an insult, especially when Meat and Livestock Australia figures show live sheep exports were 84,430 in December 2023, which was a 177 per cent increase in comparison with November export (58,732) and a 44 per cent increase on December 2022 exports (30,531)."

"The legislation will be introduced in this term of Parliament, even though the industry embraced world leading animal welfare reforms in 2019, not only in transport but also the processing of sheep in the Middle East," he said.

Perverse animal welfare

Mr Littleproud said this decision will see the needless death of thousands of sheep from around the world, as countries that take up this market from Australia do not meet our world leading animal welfare standards, which makes this decision perverse.

A 230-page independent panel report into the phase out was also released, after Labor hid it behind Cabinet-in-Confidence for more than six months and just days after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister Watt visited Beef2024 in Rockhampton, Queensland.

"Farmers don't want compensation, they just want to continue to lead the world in animal welfare and work with an Agricultural Minister who will actually work with the industry, not against it. A future Coalition government will reinstate the live sheep export trade," Mr Littleproud said.

Pictures from National Farmers' Federation Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges community action during the sixteen-day campaign to prevent gender-based violence, promote respect, and support safety, accountability, and cultural change across all spaces.
• 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.
• Baw Baw Shire appoints Sally Jones as acting CEO, leading council during temporary transition period
  Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Ms Sally Jones as Acting CEO from 6 January to 3 February 2026, supporting leadership during CEO Tilla Buden’s medical leave.
• Danny O'Brien seeks explanation for South Gippsland entering fire danger period earlier than neighbouring regions
  Danny O'Brien has urged the Emergency Services Minister to explain why South Gippsland entered the Fire Danger Period early, leaving farmers concerned about limited time for essential burn-offs and cleanup.
• Future of Orbost Project strengthens water access, supporting agricultural innovation and long-term regional growth
  The Future of Orbost Project supports farmers by clarifying water availability, facilitating licence transfers, and building resilience, driving innovation, productivity, diversification, and sustainable long-term growth in East Gippsland.
• Latrobe City welcomes proposed $10B Morwell data centre boosting economy, jobs, and industry
  Latrobe City Council welcomes Keppel’s proposed $10 billion Morwell data centre, Australia’s largest, leveraging existing energy infrastructure to create jobs, support workforce transition, and drive long-term economic and industrial growth.
• Darren Chester congratulates Infusa Distillery founders for showcasing Gippsland's produce, driving growth in local food and beverage industry
  Darren Chester congratulated Infusa Distillery founders Stu and Jo Taylor for their award-winning spirits, local partnerships, and contribution to Gippsland's food and beverage industry, praising their innovation, growth, and regional pride.
• Melina Bath urges safe driving, responsible camping across Eastern Victoria during busy Australia Day weekend celebrations
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath urges motorists to drive safely and campers to follow regulations during Australia Day weekend, respecting fire warnings, the environment, and local community events.
• Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
  Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL.
• Baw Baw Council endorses key 2026 advocacy priorities, including Weebar Road roundabout, Rokeby-Noojee Trail, sports infrastructure and regional investment
  Baw Baw Shire Council has endorsed its 2026 advocacy priorities, including Weebar Road roundabout, Rokeby-Noojee Trail, Trafalgar oval, intersection upgrades, sporting infrastructure, business attraction, and peri‑urban recognition.
• Southern Rural Water upgrades over meters across Gippsland to improve accuracy and fair water management
  Southern Rural Water is replacing 1,000+ outdated meters across southern Victoria by 2026, boosting accuracy, compliance, and fair water management under national standards - with no cost to customers.
• Farm Field Day boosts production, biodiversity, carbon reduction and income with shelterbelts on 2 December 2025
  Join us at Bushy Park on 2 December to learn from experts and farmers how shelterbelts boost production, biodiversity, carbon reduction, and farm income, with practical tips and funding advice.
• Latrobe City Council endorses priority advocacy projects to shape 2026–27 Federal Budget submission delegation
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed priority advocacy projects to shape its 2026/27 Federal Budget submission, seeking targeted national investment to drive economic transition, infrastructure delivery, job creation and long-term regional growth.
• Melina Bath thanks community for support, generosity, and resilience during festive season and year’s end
  Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026.
• East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth urges vigilance, community support and preparedness during recent extreme heat and bushfire risks
  East Gippsland Mayor acknowledges recent extreme heat, commends community responses, urges vigilance, bushfire preparedness, checking on vulnerable people, accessing support services, and using Vic Emergency app and Emergency Dashboard.
• 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.
• Carbon Calculator Events for farm emissions, accounting, and carbon farming insights for farmers
  Attend the free Carbon Calculator Events on 28 October and 11 November 2025 in Traralgon to learn carbon farming, accounting, and estimate your farm's emissions footprint. Registration required.
• East Gippsland Council streamlines procurement, connecting suppliers through VendorPanel online
  East Gippsland Council now manages major procurement through VendorPanel, giving local, regional, and national suppliers fair, simple access to opportunities while supporting transparency, competition, and local economic growth.
• Latrobe City Council approves funding for three major events, boosting tourism and generating over $6.5M economic impact
  Latrobe City Council will fund three major events, including ProMX, Football Victoria Championships, and Junior International Tennis, generating over $6.5 million economic impact and boosting local tourism and community engagement.