Minister for Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins: committed to the sheep industry, but no assurance on activist agenda influence.

MINISTER for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins has said the Albanese Government is committed to the sheep industry, while failing to offer any assurance future policies affecting farmers will not be influenced by activist agendas.

In the wake of the National Farmer Rally on Tuesday this week, Sheep Producers Australia and Livestock SA have urged the government to work with the organisations for the “right” policy settings rather than “blindly following activist and ideologically driven groups.”

Livestock SA Vice President and sheep producer, Allan Piggott, said unfortunately, the industry is increasingly seeing the Federal Labor Government design and implement policies that do not support animal agriculture.

“The government must properly engage with producers, listen to our expertise, and prioritise policies that ensure the long-term sustainability of the sheep industry and the broader livestock sector.

“The right policy settings for the sheep industry will only be realised by working with organisations like Sheep Producers Australia and Livestock SA, not by blindly following activist and ideologically driven groups,” Mr Piggott said.

Livestock SA vice president Allan Piggott at the National Farmer Rally.

Sheep Producers Australia chair Andrew Spencer said SPA, as the peak industry body for sheep producers, has clearly and consistently voiced opposition to the live sheep export ban “and will continue to support our grassroots sheep producers to engage in policy consultation to demonstrate the negative impact a ban will have on our producers and their communities.”

“It was inspiring to see so many farmers and peak industry bodies come together in Canberra from across Australia to send a united message that good policy is not made using activist’s agendas.”

Although SPA recently qualified its decision not to sit on the Keep the Sheep steering committee, Mr Spencer said “Sheep Producers Australia has always and continues to strongly oppose any policy seeking to ban live sheep exports by sea.”

“As the peak industry body, we are responsible for advocating for producers to ensure the sheep industry is governed by good policy for a profitable and sustainable future,” he said.

Sheep Central asked if Minister Collins would commit to always consult with farmers and peak industry bodies on policies that impact farmers’ livelihoods, rather than act according to activist agendas.

She was also asked if she would commit to properly engaging with producers and listen to farmers’ expertise, and prioritise policies that ensure the long-term sustainability of the sheep industry and the broader livestock sector.

The minister initially referred Sheep Central to an ABC Country Hour interview on Tuesday that did not address the activist agenda issue. Ms Collins acknowledged that her job in regard to farmers “is to hear them, to listen to them and to work constructively as part of a government to help and support and grow our agricultural community.”

“My job, as I see it, is supporting that sector continue to grow, but importantly, thrive and to take advantage of, you know, what we’re seeing is more sustainability right across the globe as, of course, we deal with climate change and to make sure that we continue to have access to markets and our farmers continue to thrive.”

Ms Collins said offered to meet the farmers that came to Canberra for the rally.

“I’m not getting that opportunity, but I am meeting with the National Farmers Federation. I am meeting with the Live Export Council. I’ll continue to engage.”

Minister Collins told Sheep Central the government took the live sheep trade  policy to the 2022 election.

“And we have gone about implementing it in a consultative manner to ensure certainty for the sector.

“The government is committed to the sheep industry in Australia, and we remain confident that there is a strong future for the sheep industry and those associated with the sector,” she said.

Ms Collins said she will be be working to ensure a smooth transition for the live sheep trade and the WA sheep industry.

“We have support being put in place to assist individuals, communities and businesses position themselves for when the trade ends with a $107 million transition support package.

“I will continue to meet with farmers and industry stakeholders, including when I travel to Western Australia later this year.”

Promise of city votes is winning out – Jochinke

National Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said Prime Minister Albanese has always said he would consider agriculture’s views.

“However, when it comes to the decision it seems the views of vocal minorities and the promise of city votes win out.

“We will continue to advocate and make sure farmers’ voices are heard, but also continue to tell the positive story of agriculture we are some of the best farmers in the world.”

Mr Jochinke said National Farmer Rally certainly caught the government’s attention “and we are willing to keep working with the government to lift that grade.”

“We know we also have work to do to better educate consumers about the impact bad policy decisions are having on agriculture and how those decisions ultimately impact them at the checkout.”