Rick Wilson (O'Connor, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Trade) | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I released the first of three short videos produced over the summer recess to show the truth behind the live sheep export trade. I aim to combat the misinformation that has long been disseminated by activist organisations like Animals Australia. My videos feature interviews with farmers, stock agents, saleyard managers, export vessel veterinarians, stockies and many O'Connor community leaders—all affected by the pending end of the live export trade, all in limbo, waiting for the government's phase-out plan to be announced, 112 days after Minister Watt received the independent panel report Phase out of live sheep exports by sea.

Meanwhile, the very activist organisations who drove Labor's election commitment to end live exports are now peddling misinformation about the MV Bahijah, posting historical photographs of animal suffering that they paid for and potentially induced, misrepresenting healthy sheep on board. These activists have been running interference for the department of agriculture and supporting injunctions in destination markets like Israel, all to create an animal welfare crisis and solicit donations.

Federal cabinet is coming to WA next week. I invite the Prime Minister to visit my electorate, look the farmers of O'Connor in the eye and explain why Animal Justice and Green party preferences are more important than their livelihoods. I call on the wider community to join the fight for farmers and help save the WA sheep industry because this is a problem for every Western Australian, not just regional WA.