The Nationals WA have slammed the Federal Labor Government’s live export inquiry, labelling it a kangaroo court that treats farmers with utter contempt.
Leader Shane Love MLA blasted the inquiries timing, pointing out that farmers have been given just one week to prepare written submissions for an inquiry that will last barely over two weeks.
“Expecting farmers to prepare detailed submissions in just one week is an absolute farce,” Mr Love said.
“With the live sheep export ban not set to take effect until 2028, rushing this process is nothing short of a contemptuous insult.
“This is simply no way the committee can thoroughly investigate the consequences of phasing out live sheep export in such a short timeframe.
“The Albanese Labor Government has clearly already made up its mind. This inquiry is a kangaroo court designed to appease their critics without genuinely considering the industry’s concerns,” Mr Love said.
Member for Roe Peter Rundle criticised the committee for snubbing the Great Southern region, which produces over 80 per cent of WA’s sheep.
“With around 12 million sheep in WA, predominantly in the Great Southern, it’s outrageous that the committee won’t hold a single public hearing there. Instead, they’re limiting WA’s voice to a solitary hearing in Muresk,” Mr Rundle said.
“Where are the hearings for Wagin or Kojonup, communities home to around million sheep each, and which will bear the brunt of this ideological ban?
“Labor’s actions show a blatant disregard for the legitimate industry that sustains thousands of jobs and powers our regional economies,” Mr Rundle said.
Central Wheatbelt candidate Lachlan Hunter labelled the live sheep export ban disastrous for WA.
“Labor’s so-called inquiry is a disingenuous sham,” Mr Hunter said.
“They know the catastrophic impact this ban will have on regional families, businesses and communities – they just don’t care.
“Labor has already decided to sacrifice regional WA’s livelihoods for votes in Melbourne and Sydney. This inquiry is a mere box-ticking exercise for a decision they’ve already made.
“The only way to overturn this disastrous ban is to vote Labor out at both State and Federal levels,” Mr Hunter said.
“In 2025, Western Australians will have the chance to elect a Nationals Government that is genuinely committed to the future of our agricultural sector and regional WA,” Mr Hunter said.
