Paul Brown is the head of Keep the Sheep, who campaigned against the live export ban.
WA Senate candidate and “Stay Sheep” campaigner Paul Brown warns voters that the May 3 election results could potentially be a catalyst for sustainability in the live export industry.
Brown is running for the Nationals Party and is speaking out against the live sheep export ban implemented under Labour, which will begin in May 2028.
That ban was partially motivated by a 2018 report up to 60 minutes, exposing the poor practices of one exporter.
Thousands of malnourished and dying sheep boarded the Awassi Express ship on their way to the Middle East.
But Brown said Australia led the world in the animal welfare process.
“We are the only country that has introduced laws that ensure animal welfare from foreign farms,” he told The Epoch Times.
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“Foreign countries must sign up for the ESCA (Escort Supply Chain Guarantee) system and accept their country’s animal welfare standards.
“If not, they won’t get our livestock. We are the only country in the world that has done it.”
If the ban goes further, families will be forced out of work
The live sheep export industry had to contest the radioactive fallout of the 60-minute report’s public relations. This is the Royal Animal Prevention Society (RSPCA) among the most vocal groups that denounce millions of dollars of trade.
Brown said many families would be kicked out of work if the ban was allowed to continue.
“How do you replace someone’s livelihood? You have this slight transition package that you’re supposed to get everything right,” he said. He pointed out that the cynicians who have worked in the industry for decades in connection with the Albanese government’s $139.7 million transition support package cannot easily transition.
“(Package) provides individuals, communities and businesses with an opportunity to be resilient, well-positioned and ready when trade ends in 2028,” the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry said on its website.
But Brown says that the amount needs to be shared.
“We know that’s not actually $139 million. It’s about $60 million because $70 million is already going to the government and paying for radio and print ads,” he said.
“So I know there is only about $60 million that I think will be available for the industry.
“But that won’t go to producers. It was recently announced that $40 million will go to the processing department.
“Growers and trucks here in the local community know that they can’t see the cents from this transition package.
Moves to appease progressive voters
An Econisis report released last May estimated that the economic impact of the trade ban on WA’s large Southern economy (the major live export hub) ranges between $474.9 million and $791.5 million on present value terms over two decades.
Brown said the Albanese government’s decision to ban export trade in favorable living sheep is due to close cooperation with leftist political groups such as the Greens and the Animal Justice Party, and is actively campaigning to ensure that practices are banned.
“We know it’s a by-product of a dirty little deal that took place in the back room of the East Coast for priority voting,” he insisted.
Brown said he had met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and had not heard of it from Agriculture Minister Julie Collins.
The Epoch Times contacted Collins independently for additional comments and responses.
Keeps sheep grassroots support strong
Hundreds of farmers and trucks took part in the latest Keep the Sea Rally in March, travelling through Perth’s main arterial roads.
The group has gained 23,000 followers on its Facebook page.
“There was a great response. The Nationals received a record number of votes at the state level, both in the House and Senate,” Brown said of the recent state election.
“And I hope it moves across divisions into federal politics.”
