New Ag Minister must be clear about shock transition plans for live export sector
Only 77 days into her tenure and it appears Minister Jarvis has thrown in the towel when it comes to standing up for the industry she represents and has completely failed to advocate in good faith.
Shadow Agriculture Minister, Colin de Grussa says “The Minister needs to be upfront with farmers and industry and immediately release the transition documents or timelines she has been privy to, so the industry knows exactly where it stands and how to best prepare for the future.
“At best, the Minister’s apparently strong expressions of support for the live export industry could be construed as disingenuous, given she has been rolled by the Albanese Government without putting up any meaningful fight for a predominantly West Australian industry, which she and the McGowan Government supposedly support”.
“Either the minister has completely dropped the ball in negotiating with her federal counterparts or she hasn’t tried. The question now is what other industries will this minister fail to stand up for? Will live cattle be next?”
Deputy Opposition Leader and Member for Roe Peter Rundle last week launched a petition calling for the continuation and support of the live export industry.
“Following assurances from the Minister in the last few weeks that she would advocate for this crucial industry, this latest news comes as a huge shock to those who had put their hope in the new Minister to advocate on their behalf.
“The Minister needs to be completely transparent with the sector about why she has given up the fight for local producers.
“There needs to be a clear outline from the Minister on how she will engage with the Albanese Government on this issue and what she will do to restore commercial confidence in the sector.
“I urge the Minister and the McGowan Labor Government to stand up to the Albanese Government and advocate to secure a long-term future for the industry, rather than rolling over to them.”
To access the petition, visit: https://bit.ly/41uGsaX