Murray Watt
FEDERAL minister for agriculture Murray Watt has called a parliamentary inquiry into the Government’s phase out of live sheep exports.
The Government has received a wide range of responses since announcing the ban last month, including a united opposition from the agricultural lobby. While an independent panel has already looked into the ban, Minister Watt said it warranted further investigation.
“I acknowledge there are a range of strong views on this policy within industry, the community, and the Parliament,” Minister Watt said in announcing the inquiry,
“As such, I consider it important an inquiry into this legislation is undertaken prior to passage in either chamber of the Parliament.
“An inquiry held by the House Committee would enable the participation of members whose electorates have a strong interest in the legislation.”
The standing committee on agriculture will hold two public hearings for the inquiry in Canberra on 12 June 2024 and in Muresk, Western Australia on 14 June 2024.
“There are a range of views on this issue. The Committee is looking forward to meeting and talking with stakeholders in Western Australia,” committee chair and Labor MP Meryl Swanson said.
“The public hearing in Muresk will provide an opportunity for the Committee to meet those most affected. Anyone who would like to share their views on the Bill can engage with the Committee in a number of ways including by making a written submission, or attending a public hearing where the Committee plans to hold a community statements session.”
Stakeholders are encouraged to contact the secretariat as soon as possible to register your interest. Submissions to the inquiry will be open until 11 June 2024.
Live sheep inquiry disingenuous, Littleproud
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said Labor’s inquiry into the phase out of the live sheep export trade is once again disingenuous.
David Littleproud
Mr Littleproud said Labor has allowed just one week for submissions and has requested the committee report back in just over two weeks from now, by June 21, despite two public hearings in both Western Australia and Canberra.
“Labor’s committee cannot possibly investigate the consequences into the phasing out of the live sheep export trade in such a short timeframe,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This is another example of Labor treating our farmers with contempt.”
The committee announced by Agriculture Minister Murray Watt is a House of Representatives Standing Committee, which is confusing for farmers, given that the House of Representatives voted down The Nationals’ motion for an inquiry just last week.
It also comes after Minister Watt pledged a Senate inquiry into the issue during Senate Estimates, declaring, ‘it’s Senate inquiries that do legislation inquiries and I’m sure that will happen here’ and that it would be ‘a good idea for a Senate inquiry to go to WA’.
“The committee The Nationals tried to obtain would have been given until 8 October, 2024, to report back, allowing thorough and proper investigation, instead of Labor’s rushed inquiry.
“Farmers deserve answers, because Minister Watt is now avoiding a Senate inquiry and still unable to explain the science behind closing the industry and destroying the livelihoods of 3000 farmers.
“The transition package of $107 million only includes $64.6 million for sheep producers and the supply chain – it isn’t good enough. We also need answers into the so-called independent panel that travelled around WA and the callous way our farmers have been treated by Labor. This committee will inevitably be rushed and once again cause more anxiety among farmers. The Nationals will always back our farmers – a future Coalition Government will reinstate the live sheep export trade.”