Press Release

Western Australian sheep producers met in Meckering last night to show support for the Gillard government’s lifting of the ban on live cattle exports and to support WA’s $300million live sheep export industry.

The meeting was organised by PGA Mortlock Division President Rob Beard and included presentations from MLA Director Polly Trefort, Wellard General Manager, Feeds David Jarvie and PGA Pastoral and Livestock Executive Officer Ian Randles.

“Western Australia is the largest livestock export State in Australia and exported over 2.5million sheep last year,” Mr Beard said.

“Any ban on live exports, whether cattle, or sheep will have a drastic ripple effect on all agricultural activities, including feed lotters, grain and hay producers, livestock transporters and domestic abattoirs.”

“While Minister Ludwig has lifted the ban on live cattle exports to Indonesia, producers need to be aware that the anti live trade groups will continue to pressure the Government for a complete ban of all live exports.”

”There are currently two enquiries - The Senate Inquiry into Improvements in animal welfare for Australian live exports and related bills and The Farmer Review into Live Exports currently before the Government.”

“The PGA Mortlock Division encourages all livestock and agricultural producers to urgently send in individual submissions to both inquiries and let the Government know how valuable the live export industry is to their livelihoods.”

For more information on the The Senate Inquiry into Improvements in animal welfare for Australian live exports and related bills and The Farmer Review into Live Exports, or on how to prepare your submission, please contact Ian Randles or Sheldon Mumby at the Pastoralists and Graziers’ Association head office on 9479 4599.