Local farmers opposed to the phasing out of sheep live exports are cynical about the federal government’s latest cash splash.
Farming leaders are accusing the government of trying to “buy silence with a little bit more money” after Federal Agriculture Minister Jackie Collins announced on Tuesday an extra $32.7 million to help cushion sheep farmers from the decision to end live exports by 2028.
The government’s decision to increase funding comes after a pushback from both the industry and the state government that the $107 million transition support package outlined in May was inadequate.
Liberal candidate for Bullwinkel Matt Moran said news that sheep farmers will get an extra $32.7 million to help them deal with the live export ban shows even Labor knows their initial offer didn’t cut it.
“This response shows Labor isn’t listening. It’s insulting to farmers and so many communities who rely on the trade to survive,” Mr Moran said.
“Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins has betrayed our hard-working farmers.”
Mr Moran, who has been meeting outraged farmers around Bullwinkel and travelled to Canberra for the Keep the Sheep rally, said farmers feel rejected by Labor.
“Farmers are understandably livid about the proposed ban and they are worried about the devastating impact it will have on our rural communities,” he said.
“Labor are set to destroy an industry to try and win inner city votes – it’s politics at its worst.”
But Minister Collins defended the funding boost, saying it was a result of sustained communication with farmers, the National Farmers Federation, and the Live Export Council.
“We’ve been talking to the Western Australian Government about what is required here on the ground and we have responded,” she said.
As part of her first visit to WA since taking on the portfolio in July, Minister Collins visited a processing facility in Bunbury.
Part of the combined $139.7 million funding package includes “processing capacity grants” and activities to “enhance market demand”.
Minister Collins recently approved grant guidelines for the first round of the Enhancing Market Demand Program, with submissions to open next month.
“We want WA sheep farmers and those associated with the industry to benefit from new markets and the ever-growing sheep meat export opportunities before us,” she said.
“Diversifying trade and expanding customer demand will assist businesses impacted by the phase-out.”
