WA Labor Abandons Sheep Producers – No Meeting, No Plan, No Care

Media Release | 25 June 2025

Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Member for Central Wheatbelt, Lachlan Hunter MP, has condemned the WA Labor Government for failing to meet with the newly appointed federal live sheep export Transition Advocate, Dr Chris Rodwell, more than 147 days after his appointment.

Mr Hunter said the State Government’s complete lack of engagement with the Transition Advocate shows just how little it cares about the live sheep trade or the future of Western Australian agriculture.

“It’s shocking that the Minister for Agriculture hasn’t bothered to meet with Dr Rodwell after nearly five months. It confirms what we’ve long suspected — WA Labor has walked away from our sheep producers, exporters, and regional communities,” Mr Hunter said.

“There’s no State funding in the Cook Labor Budget to assist those impacted by the federal ban. No state-led plan. No advocacy. No care.”

Mr Hunter confirmed he had received a full briefing from Dr Rodwell and would continue meeting with him to ensure that WA’s producers are not left behind by this devastating decision.

“WA is the home of Australia’s live sheep trade — and Labor has thrown it under the bus. The Opposition will keep standing up for our farmers, workers, and communities who are paying the price for this ideological crusade.”

Mr Hunter called on the State Minister for Agriculture to explain why she has failed to engage with Dr Rodwell and why there is no WA transition support plan in place.

ENDS