Decision and how it was made

Decision

Until 1 May 2028 the export of live sheep by sea may continue under the Export Control Act 2020 without caps or quotas and the export regulatory requirements, including the animal welfare requirements, remain in place.

Other livestock exports continue, including of live cattle and live sheep by air.

How the decision was made

The Australian Government decided how and when to phase out live sheep exports by sea based on careful consideration of the advice of an independent panel.

The panel was appointed in March 2023 and undertook extensive consultation. It considered over 800 written submissions, 3,300 survey responses, a wide range of existing data and specifically commissioned analysis. A summary of the panel’s consultation process and copies of information considered are available to view on our Have Your Say page.
The panel's report was provided to government on 25 October 2023.
The government response to the panel recommendations was released with the report on 11 May 2024.
Legislation to prohibit the export of live sheep by sea on and after 1 May 2028 was introduced into the House of Representatives on 30 May 2024.
It was referred to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture for inquiry on 3 June 2024.
The department made a submission to inquiry.
The amendments to the Export Control Act 2020 to end the trade on 1 May 2028 came into effect on 10 July 2024.