Farmers Protest Outside Parliament Against Live Sheep Export Ban, Attack Red Tape Restricting Their Business

September 10, 2024 TruthUSA

Farmers, along with the federal opposition and One Nation, protested the government’s live sheep export ban.

More than a thousand farmers gathered outside Parliament House on Sept. 10 to continue their protest against the federal government’s live sheep export ban, supported by the Greens, and other issues affecting regional communities.

Protesters carried signs with messages like “Keep the Sheep,” “No Farmers, No Future, No Food,” and “You Can’t Eat Red Tape.”

Some of the key points of disagreement with the Labor government include the planned phasing out of live sheep exports by 2028, resuming water buybacks under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, increased biosecurity charges, higher superannuation contributions, and the impact of energy development, particularly renewables.

Mark Harvey Sutton, CEO of the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council, mentioned that they have tried to engage with the government but feel ignored.

Ben Sutherland, the spokesperson for the “Keep the Sheep” campaign, shared that they have garnered nearly 100,000 signatures and over $600,000 in donations.

“Let’s continue to fight for rural Australia, for our communities, our pubs, our schools, our sponsorships, our sporting groups, and everyone involved in rural Australia,” Sutherland emphasized.

The push to ban live sheep exports gained momentum following a 2018 report by 60 Minutes highlighting the appalling conditions on the Awassi Express vessel.

In July, the government passed the Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) Bill 2024 with support from the Greens.

Opposition, One Nation Joins Rally

The federal opposition threw its weight behind the protest, pledging to repeal the ban if in power.

Coalition Leader Peter Dutton committed to prioritizing international trade partnerships with countries like Qatar and Kuwait to ensure food security with high-quality products from Western Australia.

Nationals leader David Littleproud and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton address farmers in front of Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Sept. 10, 2024. (Courtesy of the National Farmers Federation) — Nationals leader David Littleproud and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton address farmers in front of Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Sept. 10, 2024. Courtesy of the National Farmers Federation

Dutton highlighted the importance of collaboration with farmers and criticized Labor for focusing on the inner-city vote over rural interests.

Concurrently, shadow agriculture minister David Littleproud advocated for lifting the ban and discussed water rights reform.

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and Agriculture Minister Julie Collins were noticeably absent from the rally, prompting criticism from attendees.

Albanese later assured sheep producers of support during the phase-out period, emphasizing a planned and responsible transition away from live sheep exports.

Collins, on the other hand, emphasized her commitment to representing farmers and setting the record straight on issues affecting regional Australia.