Animal cruelty in any circumstance is unacceptable, which is why the Australian Government has strict standards and regulations governing the export of livestock. Some of these are outlined below.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry regulates the export of live animals and has developed very high standards that exporters are required to meet before, during and after the export of livestock. This includes the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL), which set the minimum animal health and welfare standards exporters must meet to ensure animals are appropriate for export and to manage the risks to animal health and welfare throughout the export journey. The ASEL is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it is fit-for-purpose and based on the latest evidence and science. For further information visit: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/export/controlled-goods/live-animals/livestock/australian-standards-livestock
No export consignment is permitted to depart Australia unless the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is satisfied that all legislative requirements have been met and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has certified the vessel to transport livestock. For further information on AMSA’s requirements for live export vessels visit: https://media.amsa.gov.au/live-animal-export-ships .
In addition, when livestock intended for human consumption (known as feeder and slaughter livestock) arrive in an importing country, exporters must ensure they are managed in accordance with the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS). ESCAS is a set of regulatory conditions placed on exporters. It requires them to have arrangements in the importing country to ensure humane treatment and handling of livestock from the time the animals arrive up to and including the point of slaughter. Australia is the only country in the world, out of over 100 livestock exporting nations, with such a regulatory system in operation. For further information visit: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/export/controlled-goods/live-animals/livestock/information-exporters-industry/escas
No regulatory system can ensure that there will never be an incidence of non-compliance. In circumstances where non-compliance is alleged, the department investigates and, where appropriate, action is taken.
The Australian Government supports strong animal welfare standards and believes all animals should be treated humanely.
We are also aware that Australians continue to express concern about the conditions that sheep experience during export and on arrival overseas. In light of this, we committed to phasing out live sheep exports by sea at the 2022 election.
This commitment was endorsed by the Australian people in 2022.
On 11 May 2024, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry announced that the phase out of live sheep exports by sea from Australia will occur on 1 May 2028. The Minister also announced that legislation to end the trade on this date will be introduced in this term of the Australian Parliament.
The announcement marks the delivery of the Government’s promise to the Australian people. It provides certainty to farmers, businesses and communities involved in the trade and allows clarity for future decision making.
The Government’s comprehensive plan is informed by extensive consultation over the past year.
The Albanese Government has committed $107 million over five years to assist affected sheep farmers, businesses and communities to plan for and adjust to the phase out. The package will support individuals, businesses and communities in the sheep supply chain to plan, implement transition actions and be ready for the phase out in ways that suit their circumstances. The government wants to ensure all affected participants in the sheep supply-chain are supported to capitalise on emerging opportunities and are well positioned when the trade ends.
The Albanese Government understands that the Australian community expects strong animal welfare standards to be upheld in domestic and export animal industries. This announcement reflects our nation’s values of compassion and humane treatment of animals, and makes investments to ensure animal welfare continues to be prioritised throughout the transition.
The government will continue to regulate the live animal export trade, up to and beyond the phase out and remains strongly committed to ensuring high welfare standards are maintained in this trade.
The Minister has released the independent panel’s report and the Australian Government response to the panel’s report. For more information please visit the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s website: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/export/controlled-goods/live-animals/livestock/live-sheep-exports-phase-out.
