Labor’s sham live sheep export ad campaign exposed

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said Labor’s $2.3 million advertising campaign on the phase out of live sheep exports has been exposed as a sham, with ads being targeted on the East Coast as well as Western Australia.

Senate Estimates has revealed most of the ads have been viewed in Greens and Labor areas in Victoria and New South Wales, rather than areas that are actually impacted.

“Labor’s ads for so-called assistance are being aimed at inner-city seats, instead of helping our WA live sheep farmers to get the information they need,” Mr Littleproud said.

“It is obvious Labor is using the ads in Melbourne and Sydney seats to appease the animal activists and prove that it is fulfilling its election commitment to phase out live sheep exports.

“In the final days before the election is called, Labor knows it needs Greens preferences and is clearly now using this money as the start of its election campaign.

“These ads are a waste of taxpayers’ money and yet again another insult to our live sheep export trade.”

Labor’s live sheep export phase out Facebook ad, with over one million impressions, had 46 per cent of views in New South Wales, 19 per cent in Victoria and just 16 per cent in WA.

Senate Estimates also heard not one cent was spent on advertising to inform WA farmers about the co-design process, which would have given farmers a chance to voice their concerns.

“Labor has turned its back on the farming industry and has treated our live sheep farmers with nothing but contempt.

“A future Coalition Government will reinstate the live sheep export trade. If elected, my first role as Agriculture Minister will be to travel to the Middle East, to build those important relationships and ensure the live sheep export trade in Australia remains."