The Albanese Labor Government has stated their commitment to phase out live sheep exports by sea is in recognition of community concern about the treatment of sheep during the export process. This was the same policy Labor took to the 2019 election (when they lost the election). They progressed the election policy to phase out live sheep exports by sea, with a final end date set for 1 May 2028.
The Albanese Labor Government has stated that its decision to phase out live sheep exports by sea is based on community concerns regarding animal welfare. However, independent research shows that public opinion on live export is far more balanced than commonly portrayed, and the industry has undergone significant reforms to ensure high animal welfare standards.
The government’s decision to ban live sheep exports by sea will have severe and unnecessary consequences:
💰 Economic Impact on Rural Communities – The phase-out is already having devastating impact on Western Australian farming communities, where live export is a critical market option for sheep producers. Decline in flock numbers and wool production is already being seen,
🚜 Job Losses – Thousands of regional and rural jobs from shearers to truck drivers, stock handlers, and the corner store are at risk.
🌍 Global Animal Welfare Concerns – The demand for live sheep will not disappear. Instead, Australia misses out on this trade opportunity and supply will shift to countries with lower welfare standards and no oversight, meaning worse welfare outcomes for animals globally.
📉 Trade & Food Security Risks – Many countries in the Middle East rely on Australian sheep for food security, cultural traditions, and economic stability. Removing Australia from the trade jeopardises long-standing trade relationships and weakens Australia’s role in global food supply chains.
📊 Public Support for Live Export
Since 2019, Voconiq, an independent research group has conducted nationally representative surveys (6575 participants over 4 years) on public attitudes toward live export. The 2024 findings show:
✅ 78% of Australians agree that live exports make an important economic contribution.
✅ 76% believe the benefits of live export outweigh or are equal to the costs.
✅ Trust and acceptance in the industry are at their highest recorded levels.
✅ 56% of Australians have confidence in industry efforts to ensure animal welfare.
✅ 70% believe media coverage of live export is often negative or exaggerated, with many calling for more balanced reporting.
For more details on the 2024 public attitudes report, visit
📑 Read more about the research here: Live exports and the Australian community 2024
📊 Check out the infographic here: Live exports – exploring trust (2024) – Infographic
🔹 Regulatory Changes & Welfare Reforms
Since 2018, the live export industry has undergone major regulatory reforms, delivering exemplary animal welfare outcomes and demonstrating unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. These changes include:
✅ Summer Moratorium – Sheep exports to the Middle East during the hottest months are now regulated and banned, reducing heat stress risks.
✅ Increased Space Per Animal – Stocking densities have been reduced by up to 38% under updated Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL).
✅ Enhanced Ventilation – Improved ventilation requirements and independent auditing ensure better air quality on vessels.
✅ Automated Environmental Monitoring – Temperature and humidity sensors provide real-time data to ensure optimal conditions.
✅ LIVEXCollect Data System – Standardised data collection ensures transparency and continuous improvement.
📑 Read more about industry improvements here: LiveCorp – Australia’s changing live sheep export trade
📊 Get the latest insights: LiveCorp: State of Industry Report 2023
