Premier Roger Cook says the call to end live sheep export is wrong but conceded that if he were a member of the federal caucus, he would be bound to support it.
Premier Roger Cook says the federal government’s call to end live sheep exports is wrong, but has conceded he would be bound to support it if he were a member of the federal caucus.
The Bill banning live sheep export from 2028 is expected to pass the Senate tonight, despite the best efforts of farming groups in Western Australia, which account for the lion’s share of the nation’s trade.
That’s despite the opposition of the state government, accused by some of lying down in the face of the federal stance.
Mr Cook today reiterated his view that the ban of live sheep exports was wrong, and said his government was now committed to supporting farmers in a transition away from the trade.
“We think it’s the wrong decision,” he said.
“We lobbied against that.
“We made submissions to that effect.
“Now we are continuing to stand by WA farmers, as these laws pass through parliament.”
The premier said his government would now work to secure a larger support package than the $107 million put forward to assist industry in its transition away from live export.
“I don’t have a particular figure in relation to what the federal government needs to move to, but I think the initial package as it was detailed by the federal government was light on. I think they need to do more,” he said.
“They need to do more particularly in terms of direct payment and assistance to farmers.
“That’s the message that [Agriculture] Minister [Jackie] Jarvis has been taking to the federal government.”
Mr Cook’s comments in opposition to his federal counterparts come as the spotlight shines on internal Labor Party policy, which requires federal Labor caucus members to vote together.
WA Senator Fatima Payman was indefinitely suspended from the party caucus after crossing the floor in support of a Palestinian state last week: a move that placed her at odds with the partyroom stance.
Though indefinite, the suspension is a step back from the party’s tradition of expulsion for those who cross the floor.
Mr Cook backed the decision by Anthony Albanese to suspend Senator Payman and the policy that guided it.
He acknowledged Senator Payman’s passion on the matter, and conceded he would be required to toe the party line in a vote on live sheep export if he were a Labor Senator.
“If I was a Labor member of the federal caucus, I would be bound by the decisions of the federal caucus,” Mr Cook said.
Senator Payman has been urged by Nationals leader David Littleproud to cross the floor again in tonight’s vote on live sheep export, in support of WA farmers. Senator Payman has suggested she will abstain from voting while suspended, except those on matters of conscience.
The Bill before parliament would ban live export of sheep from Australia by May 1 2028.
Australian live sheep exports are worth $77 million annually, with WA accounting for 99.6 per cent of the nation’s trade.
Acting Liberal Party of WA leader Steve Martin said the closure was bad news for the economy, and fired a shot at both parties.
“Shutting down the live export trade is a kick in the guts for WA farmers,” he said.
“This is further proof federal Labor doesn’t care about WA and the Cook government is too weak to stand up for WA.”
