Today, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins announced a $139.7 million relief package. Collectively, this important initiative is aimed at strengthening WA’s sheep industry. The announcement was made at the Muchea saleyards, located around 50 kilometers (31 miles) north of the state capital Perth. To begin with, this place is famous for its big undercover sheep saleyards, the biggest in the southern hemisphere. This financial package provides much-needed support to farmers while they go through this very important and necessary transition. This allows them to adjust to tightening rules on live exports.
This funding package invests $40 million with a focus on building Western Australia’s processing supply chain capacity. Another $30 million would go towards helping farmers make an exit from sheep farming. Export shearing subsidies. Meanwhile, $2.2 million is set aside for shearers who want to find other work. Furthermore, the transport industry will receive $1.5 million to support its adaptation to the changing landscape of the sheep sector.
Criticism Surrounds Announcement
Even with this massive amount of funding, many leaders in the industry have voiced doubts about whether this announcement will prove to be effective and transparent. Jan Cooper, a prominent figure in the sector, indicated that the details provided were not significantly more informative than a previously leaked document concerning the funding.
“I’m not sure if that is a genuine offer, because the minister was certainly not forthcoming about whether or not there would be further money for a transition.” – Jan Cooper
Trevor Whittington, another industry rep, told the Bipartisan Policy Center that the announcement was shallow and confusing. Most importantly, he said, too many stakeholders were made to feel excluded from the decision-making process.
“There was no detail today — we got more out of that leaked document.” – Trevor Whittington
Whittington continued to pressed the government’s response, claiming it was “clearly” running away from any direct confrontation with producers. Farmers wanted more input. Farmers are concerned about how much influence they’ve had in determining the course of this transition. Yet his comments bring to light their larger concerns.
“This is a failed roll out, it’s going to be a failed transition — it would have been nice to get an invitation.” – Trevor Whittington
Government’s Perspective on the Transition
Minister Collins was equally strong in defending the criticism. Mr. Marles underscored that the government would stand with farmers impacted by the soon to be banned live sheep exports. Importantly, she called out that this package is just one component of a larger strategy that comes after deep consultation with industry stakeholders.
“This package has always been about ensuring there is a sheep industry in Western Australia.” – Ms. Collins
Collins mentioned that their effort included engaging with over 300 individuals across 16 workshops aimed at mapping out a viable future for the state’s sheep industry. She emphasized that the funding is an indication of sincere intent to allow for a positive transition for farmers and related industries.
“We think $139.7 million is significant and we have a transition advocate who will continue to play a role on the implementation to make sure this money goes to where it needs.” – Ms. Collins
The Current State of Sheep Farming in WA
Industry stakeholders have highlighted urgent reforms that are becoming transformational, overnight, for the sheep industry in Western Australia. Kristy D’Aprile with the record high grain this season. She pointed to the example of linkage to the thousands of sheep that are going through saleyards.
“There is much more grain being grown this season — we are seeing high numbers of sheep go through our saleyards.” – Kristy D’Aprile
Darren Spencer of WAFarmers which signed on to the initiative said with a transition period required, shearing workers need to be retained. He pointed out that without a strategy to maintain their workforce, many skilled workers may leave the industry, adversely affecting local communities.
“If we can’t keep our shearing teams employed then we will lose a lot of people out of our industry and our local towns — no-one wants that.” – Darren Spencer
Spencer said it’s critical to develop new job paths that align with the timing of shearing seasons. This strategy helps retain skilled workers in the agriculture industry.
