HENDO JOINS ROGUE MP ON LIVE SHEEP EXPORT:
SARAH Henderson has joined ranks with a rogue Government MP to call for an end to live sheep exports.
The Corangamite MP said last night she was throwing her support behind a private member’s Bill from Sussan Ley to phase out the practice.
The calls are at odds with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who has said such a move would be “reckless” and put Australian farmers at risk.
Ms Henderson said she decided to support the Bill after “much consideration” and had already told Agri- culture Minister David Littleproud about her decision.
“The live export of sheep to the Middle East is inhumane and must come to an end,” she said.
“As a rural Victorian Liberal MP representing a large farming constituency, I believe the vast majority of my constituents, including farmers, will strongly support my decision.
“If any person in Australia crammed sheep into a transport vehicle for 25 days in the searing heat with limited access to food and water, standing in their own excrement, that person would be charged with animal cruelty.”
Her comments come after 60 Minutes aired footage of thousands of Australian sheep cramped together and dying aboard an export ship.
Ms Henderson described the vision as “horrific”.
“More than 2000 sheep died in the most abhorrent circumstances. Unfortunately, Department of Agriculture records demonstrate that this was by no means an unusual occurrence,” she said.
“I recognise that Minister Littleproud is working extremely hard to fix this trade but enough is enough.
“Australians will no longer tolerate the systemic failures we have seen over many years from long-haul live sheep exporters, including the failure of the industry to regulate itself.”
She said the practice should be phased out in consultation with farmers and the industry.
But Ms Henderson said the Bill would not affect the export of cattle traditionally sent to South-East Asia.
“Australian producers are already exporting significant amounts of boxed, chilled lamb and sheep meat into the Middle East,” she said.
“The further development of this export market will provide new opportunities for our farmers and processors, and for Australian jobs.”
Ms Ley will introduce her private member’s Bill into parliament on May 21.