Labor has this week announced it will work with farmers, unions and business to develop a Strategic Red Meat Industry Plan to assist sheep farmers transition away from the live sheep export trade.

Labor has been clear from the start that we don’t think the inquiry into the live sheep trade during the northern summer will find that the trade is sustainable in the long-term.

Bill Shorten said two weeks ago, that the industry has had plenty of chances to clean up its act, and it’s failed. The conservative government has had plenty of chances to properly regulate, and it’s failed.

Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann MP, said that like most people he was appalled by what he saw in the live sheep trade.

“The live export trade is a significant contributor to the Australian economy and generates many local jobs, but it can’t be allowed to flout our laws and disrespect community expectations.

“Labor has been clear from the start that we don’t think the inquiry into the live sheep trade during the northern summer will find that the trade is sustainable in the long-term.”

The industry itself has conceded that it is not possible to guarantee there will be no future events like those aired on 60 Minutes.

This is why Labor is committed to working with the industry to plan for a future that doesn’t rely on live sheep exports.

A transition plan would take a number of years, but nothing like a decade.

Labor’s plan will lift farmer profits and create jobs here in Australia right along the supply chain.