An end to live sheep export cruelty is finally on the horizon. So, what now?

After decades of our investigations, exposés, and tireless political lobbying, the Albanese government has announced that live sheep export by sea will end on the 1st of May, 2028. And importantly, this date will be enshrined in law during this term of government.

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt has announced the government will accept the recommendations of the Independent Panel and that the live sheep trade will end after some 60 long years. The live export industry was pushing for a 10+ year phase-out which gives the government’s end date in less than four years a lot of perspective. While all of us of course want the trade to end tomorrow — we cannot deny, this decision took courage.

A government decision based on compassion for animals, and acknowledging society’s shifting consciousness around our treatment of animals, is momentous.

It’s not surprising that the live export lobby has come out swinging and the Agriculture Minister has weathered some pretty fierce criticism already. At times like this, a little thanks can go along way. Here’s where you come in. While we wait to learn when exactly the legislation will be introduced (our best guess is sometime after the winter parliamentary break), please consider spending a few minutes to spread some gratitude.

As Federal Agriculture Minister, Murray Watt was ultimately tasked with the responsibility of signing off on the decision for a shorter phase-out, and unsurprisingly has faced some condemnation from supporters of the industry. You can extend some support his way during this important time by commenting under his social media posts with positive feedback for his decision to adopt the independent advisory panel’s recommendations for a shorter phase-out.

• Facebook: Head to this post or this one (or even better — both!) to share a message of support.
• Instagram: There are two posts about the announcement on instagram too — head here and here.
• Twitter/X: Head here to post a comment on Twitter/X.

Thousands of e-mails have been sent to Labor MPs in recent months calling for the government to ‘legislate the date’… and now, they have done just that. This is proof that caring voices united on behalf of animals are powerful — and we believe that conveying some gratitude and appreciation will be equally so! If you are an Australian resident, then please take a couple of minutes to share some positive feedback about this decision. (NOTE: if you aren’t in a Labor electorate, click here to email Labor Senators instead.)

Having a letter to the editor published in a local or national newspaper can be an effective way to inform public opinion about the cruelty of live sheep export, validate decision-makers in their support of phasing out the trade, and to keep this issue in the public eye. Try to keep it short and punchy — around 200 words or less. Some of the messages that might be helpful to include are below (click on each one to expand).

It’s fair to say that in the weeks and months ahead, we are likely to see significant pushback from the live export industry in response to this latest announcement. This is expected, and has undoubtedly been anticipated and thoroughly considered by decision-makers over the extended inquiry, advisory panel reporting and subsequent assessment period.

Thank you for helping ensure that the animals — the individuals who have suffered for so long at the hands of the live export industry — are not forgotten. After all, it is for them that we celebrate this historic step forward — and on their behalf that we extend our gratitude to those who have courageously acted to shape a future where no sheep endures the prolonged misery of export by sea, ever again.