Recent protests in Perth had highlighted the ongoing battle between live sheep exporters and the federal government over the ban due to take effect on May 1, 2028.

Last week WA farmers and supporters formed a convoy of trucks and agricultural vehicles, bringing the CBD to a standstill, to help raise awareness about their anger about the proposed ban.

According to Meat and Livestock Australia, live sheep exports trade contributed $86 million to Australia’s economy in 2024.

Regional sheep producer and president of WA Farmers Steve McGuire says farmers no longer see the sheep market as a reliable source of income because of the oversupply of sheep in the domestic market.

Mr McGuire says sheep being exported from Australia in the best conditions, and there haven’t been any issues in recent years.

“Sheep exported from Australia are very well treated, I have been on a boat while loading and know some of the women who are the stockmen who care for the sheep on their journey,” he says.

According to 2024 data from the RSPCA, 80 per cent of independent observer reports from recent live sheep export voyages said sheep starved, and 60 per cent reported animals suffered with heart stress.

Stop Live Exports spokesperson Ruth Gourley says exporters have a long history of animal welfare breaches, in which sheep are still suffering.

Ms Gourley says Australia can survive without live sheep exports, with the industry offering more working opportunities.

“Transitioning from live sheep exports to chilled and frozen sheep meat presents significant economic growth opportunities for Australia, particularly for WA,” she says.

“This shift is already underway, maintaining demand for producers, stock-hands, shearers, vets, and truck drivers. Western Australian processors have demonstrated confidence in this growing sector including through planned investments, signalling a viable future for the industry.”

Director of Livestock Collective John Cunnington says live sheep exports play an important role for farmers and livestock supporting services both in WA and around Australia.

“The announcement of the ban of live sheep exports has really hit farmer and rural communities’ confidence,” he says.

Mr Cunnington says the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) plays a vital part in improving management for livestock when exporting sheep.

“Once the animals are in country, there is continual improvement in infrastructure and management of livestock under the ESCAS,” he says.

Senior Associate and lead of Agriculture Department at HHG Legal Group Richard Dewar says the Australian Government is negatively impacting farmers’ livelihoods.

“In the last four or five years, we’ve seen an increase in regulations and purported changes which really benefit city people,” he says.

Mr Dewer says the protest last week in Perth was a positive step in uniting farmers and help prevent the ban.

“Hopefully it’s creating some awareness. In terms of what’s next, it’s really the election. It’s probably the only hope,” he says.

Mr Dewer says not only farmers across WA will be impacted, but also the local industries that support farmers.