Ms Catherine King (Ballarat, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government) | Hansard source

I thank the member for Clark very much for the question. I know that this is a topic he feels very passionately about, as do a number of his constituents and as do many across our community. Many of us represent areas where farmers are getting an income from live sheep export. Many of us also represent communities that feel very strongly about it being phased out.

This government supports strong animal welfare standards. We believe that animals must and should be treated humanely. We need to partner with the industry to shape a strong and sustainable future for the Australian sheep wool and sheepmeat industry. People earn their livelihoods from this sector. But we also know that we are implementing our commitment to phase out live sheep export in a considered and orderly way. That work is important. It's why the phase-out of live sheep export by sea will not occur during this term of parliament. An independent panel was appointed to consult with farming communities to inform when and how to implement this policy and to ensure that that industry continues to derive income from farming in their communities. That panel has concluded its work and its consultation and has provided that report to government. The government is considering that report. We are taking our time to properly assess all of the recommendations and the impact.

I am answering the question pretty directly.

See this speech in context