
Sheep Producers Australia CEO Bonnie Skinner.
PEAK body Sheep Producers Australia will participate in the co-design process for the Federal Government’s live sheep export transition support package, but remains highly sceptical genuine assistance will be delivered to affected farmers.
SPA today committed to the process, refuting a report it had withdrawn, and despite the Australian Livestock Exporters Council rejecting an invitation to participate in co-design focus groups and workshops.
SPA chief executive officer Bonnie Skinner said SPA will participate in the co-design process as part of its commitment to representing Australia’s sheep industry.
“SPA’s role is to advocate for farmers during this unwanted and unjustified transition caused by the Government’s legislated ban on live sheep exports by sea.
“We remain committed to continuing to provide advice to government that is wholly focused on the overall good of the industry and our members,” she said.
“Sheep Producers Australia does; however, remain highly sceptical of the Federal Government’s co-design consultation’s ability to deliver genuine assistance to affected producers.
“Sheep Producers Australia has consistently highlighted that consultation on the implementation of this policy has left many producers feeling removed from a process that is impacting their families, businesses, and communities,” Ms Skinner said.
“The government has already demonstrated in its establishment of the ‘Transition Advocate’ role last year that it wouldn’t listen to industry input.
“SPA provided advice during the design of that role, but that advice was largely ignored.”
Ms Skinner said SPA was clear there should be a taskforce comprising of individuals who have a trusted presence in the WA agriculture and rural industries and communities and who can understand the interests and viewpoints of all stakeholders.
“The transition advocate role, as it has been advertised though, is focused on communication about the transition, rather than directly supporting farmers and facilitating two-way engagement to ensure the government fulfils its obligation to listen to and support industry.
“The sheep meat industry – particularly sheep producers in Western Australia – understand their needs better than anyone,” she said.
“Any future co-design process must be genuinely focused on the people most impacted by the policy.
“Ultimately, Sheep Producers Australia wants to see this ban overturned,” Ms Skinner said.
“But if it cannot be stopped, our producers, their businesses and their communities must receive support.”
Ms Skinner said at this early stage of the co-design process, the government must make a genuine commitment to listening to and addressing the needs of the producers who are being forced to adapt to the illogical and unnecessary legislated ban of a critical and valued live export supply chain.
“The Federal Government cannot continue to disregard the voices of farmers and rural communities as it has to date on this issue.”
Good luck Bonnie. You are not going to achieve anything though.
Gayle Tierney was the head of the automotive trades union between 1985 and 2005. She oversaw the shutdown of all Australia’s automotive industries. It took her 20 years, but she succeeded in the end.
Daniel Andrews made her Victorian Agriculture Minister for three years.
Gayle is a good example of people representing farmers in politics today.
Brendan
They didn’t listen before when the gang of four went on their junket. State Daddy didn’t even know they were in WA at the time. Why would they listen to farmers now? We now have a another closed meatworks. Last drought the works got scared when 3.5 million sheep were trucked east. They said they needed a flock of 10 million. Well we are headed for 8 million. Albo lied – there are less jobs not more. We need to kick him out in no uncertain fashion.
Weekly Times is reporting SPA are out. Can we get some clarity as to the actual position SPA have taken? Editor’s note: The latest position of SPA on this issue is outlined by Bonnie Skinner in the Sheep Central story.