Andrew Wilkie (Clark, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and it is very specific. Minister, by what date will the export of live sheep to the Middle East be banned and by what date will the ban be legislated?

Ms Catherine King (Ballarat, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government) | Link to this | 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.

Milton Dick (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

I will listen to the member for Clark on a point of order.

Andrew Wilkie (Clark, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, it's on relevance. The question could not be more specific. Exactly what date will it be phased out and legislated?

Milton Dick (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

As the member knows, as we have dealt with this issue, the minister has been talking about a range of time lines. You may want a specific date or answer, but under the standing order she is not required to necessarily do that. She is giving context and information about the time lines, so she is being directly relevant.

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

As I said, the government is taking the time to properly assess all of the recommendations in the report and to develop a response that honours the commitment that we have to phase out live sheep export but also understands that there are livelihoods involved in this process. I know that, having farmers in my own community whose livelihoods do not depend on this but it is part of it. They are seeing great work being done on renewables and getting income from having solar farms and wind farms in their electorate. They are really important issues.

The report will be made—

Opposition members interjecting—

I note the interjections—as are many farmers in your electorates as well. Nothing gets them going like renewables.

That report will then be made public. We are committed to delivering a considered and orderly transition that maximises the onshore job opportunities, particularly in Western Australia.