The independent panel tasked with advising the government on how and when to phase out live sheep exports has been granted an extension.
With the original deadline of September 30 looming ever closer, the panel requested a short extension 'to enable them to complete their research, deliberations and recommendations'.
It now has until October 25 to deliver the report to Agriculture Minister Murray Watt.
"My priority has always been, and continues to be, ensuring the phase out occurs in an orderly way, and this includes proper planning,” Mr Watt said.
“Since consultation started in March, the panel have received more than 800 written submissions and over 3300 survey responses.
“They’ve also listened to diverse stakeholder perspectives at public forums in person and online.
“With the volume and range of consultation information now known, and the commissioned work now received, the panel has requested a short extension to wrap up the analysis.
“I acknowledge the panel’s commitment to providing recommendations on a pathway forward, and I commend their diligence to honing the report during the coming months."
Mr Watt also confirmed the end date for the phase out would not happen during this term of parliament.
“We know farmers and other industry participants need time to prepare for the pathway forward,” he said.
“The report is vital to developing a considered and orderly implementation plan that advances animal welfare, examines the needs of impacted individuals, business and local communities, and identifies opportunities for future sheep industry growth.
“I thank all stakeholders who provided input into how and when the phase out should be implemented, including what’s needed to seize new opportunities, such as expanding onshore processing and exporting more of our high-quality sheep meat to the world.”
Sheep Producers Australia CEO Bonnie Skinner welcomed the extension, but maintained industry's position on the phase out.
"The extension that was granted we hope will enable the panel to spend more time understanding the consequences of this policy to the Australian sheepmeat industry, broader Australian agriculture, and the very real potential to leave Australian families, communities and entire industries behind,” Ms Skinner said.
"Sheep Producers Australia continues to strongly oppose this policy, and we continue to call on government to uphold their responsibility to develop agricultural policies that are evidence based, strategic, inclusive and collaborative."
As part of their submission to the independent consultation panel, Sheep Producers Australia outlined the consequences that would occur if the government implemented its policy to phase out live sheep export by sea, "to illustrate the critical role that live sheep exports plays in driving farmgate competition and, ultimately, a sustainable sheep industry".
"While the long-term outlook for the industry remains positive, the reality facing many of our producers in the short term presents serious challenges," Ms Skinner said.
"National rural confidence has recently dropped to one of the lowest levels in two decades. More than half of Australian producers expect the agricultural economy to worsen over the next 12 months."
