Farmers Walk out During Agriculture Minister’s Speech in Protest of Live Export Ban

Farmers were captured leaving Australian Agriculture Minister Murray Watts’ post-budget speech in Canberra after he announced the ban on live sheep exports.

Social media platform X shared a video by Senator Matt Canavan showing farmers walking out on May 15.

Mr. Canavan criticized the government for allocating the biggest budget spending to shutting down an entire agricultural industry.

The Albanese government’s plan involves stopping the live export of sheep by 2028, with $107 million allocated in the budget to help farmers transition away from this practice.

The National Farmers Federation spoke against the ban, calling it “catastrophic.”

At a media conference, National Farmers’ David Jochinke expressed that they prefer trade over financial support from the government.

CEO of Wool Producers Australia, J0 Hall, criticized the government for being out of touch with sheep and wool producers.

Various farmers’ associations and individuals across Australia voiced their opposition to the ban on live sheep exports, citing the detrimental impact on the agricultural industry.

Sheep Producers Australia Chair Andrew Spencer accused the government of showing contempt towards them and their producers.

Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, supported farmers on social media and criticized Labor’s ideological policies affecting the industry.

Minister Highlights Industry Decline and Bright Future

Mr. Watt defended the government’s decision to ban live sheep exports, citing the industry’s decline and the increasing demand for processed meat.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to facilitating a smooth transition for sheep producers with a $107 million package to support the change.

Despite the controversy surrounding live sheep exports, with concerns about animal welfare, Mr. Watt believes that the Australian sheep meat sector has a promising future.