Live sheep export farmers being forced to shut down their crucial trade will not be given one cent of support until after the next election, according to The Nationals.
Labor told Senate Estimates this week its ‘transition package’ for farmers won’t roll out until July, 2025, despite farmers starting to change production cycles now and significant reduction in sheep prices from Labor’s decision.
The Department also revealed of the $139.7 million package, just $900,000 had been spent, but that amount had gone towards administration costs.
“Labor’s transition package for farmers won’t see the light of day until the next financial year and well after the next federal election,” Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said.
“This funding will come years after Labor initially announced it will end the trade. It is another delay in support for our farmers, who are having their livelihoods taken away.
“The Nationals fully support our live sheep export farmers and as our first action will reinstate the trade.
“We know our farmers want to keep their industry, not lose it with an insulting and delayed transition package.”
Farmers will not receive exit grants, while those in the processing industry could end up receiving more than the farmers impacted, with the Department telling Estimates “additional chiller and freezer space is needed”.
“Labor has turned its back on the farming industry and has treated our live sheep farmers with nothing but contempt.”
