Shadow Agriculture Minister Colin de Grussa has called on the new Agriculture Minister to take her support for live export to her Federal colleagues, who are determined to decimate the industry.
Mr de Grussa asked Minister Jarvis for her official position on the live sheep trade in Parliament and welcomed her response supporting the continuation of the industry in WA.
Mr de Grussa said it had taken some time for the McGowan Labor Government to state its position, following announcements by the Albanese Labor Government of its plans to shut down the trade.
“I am pleased the new Agriculture Minister put her support for the continuation of this vital $136 million industry on the record, but now she needs to act,” Mr de Grussa said.
“Confidence needs to be restored in both the live export industry and the global market following the Albanese Government’s announcement that it will ban live sheep exports.
“It is incumbent on the new Minister to take her stance to the Prime Minister and demand that the Albanese Government changes their plans to end this sustainable industry.”
Mr de Grussa said the McGowan Labor Government must prove their support is genuine and not play politics with the livelihoods of West Australian producers, their families and their communities.
“As such, I call on the Minister for Agriculture to be fully transparent with the live sheep export industry and all affected stakeholders on the measures she will take in support of the McGowan Government’s newly stated position,” Mr de Grussa said.
“The Minister needs to clearly outline how she will engage with the Albanese Government on this issue and what she will do to restore commercial confidence in the sector to encourage future investment.
“I also call on Minister Jarvis to provide detail on the progress of the $2 million live export relocation study, announced by the McGowan Labor Government in May last year.”
Mr de Grussa said the McGowan Labor Government has a bad track record when it came to being honest and transparent, but the Minister’s definitive stance on live sheep exports was a good start.
“I implore the Premier and the new Agriculture Minister to hold true to their fresh commitment to this valuable industry.
“It is easy to just say the words when it will be the Albanese Government that pulls the levers, they must now translate these words into practical and immediate action.”
