No Live Export Phase-Out Support Yet for Sheep Farmers

News

10 Dec

Summary
Despite a $139.8 million assistance package, sheep farmers impacted by the live sheep export phase-out have yet to receive direct financial support, with Senate Estimates revealing that funds have instead gone to departmental costs. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) admitted $33.9 million has been spent so far, including $2.435 million on its internal program administration, while farm businesses wait for aid.

Key Points

DAFF spending: $33.9 million used so far, including $2.435 million on departmental transition costs.
No direct farmer support yet: None of the funding has reached individual farm businesses.
Grant system under fire: Grants require farmers to match government funds, and priority is given to those most affected — a process critics say is overly competitive.
Senator Matt Canavan: Described the grant process as akin to the “Hunger Games.”
David Littleproud (Nationals): Criticised the focus on bureaucracy over farmer relief.
Bevan Eatts (Nationals WA, Warren–Blackwood): Expressed disappointment and concern that regional communities won’t benefit from the package.
Local farmer Phil Corker: Warned of wide-ranging impacts on rural economies from lack of support.