EOI now open for live sheep phase out advocacy role

The Albanese Labor Government has today opened an expression of interest process to recruit an advocate who will assist the transition away from live sheep exports by sea.

The role of Transition Advocate has been created to support the industry and ensure strong communication between government and industry, in response to a recommendation by an independent panel.

As part of the role, the Transition Advocate will provide advice and recommendations on how the sheep supply chain is adapting ahead of the end of the trade.

Performing an advisory role, the advocate will support further collaboration with both sheep producers and supply chain businesses to maintain a coordinated, whole of industry approach.

In addition, the Transition Advocate will identify and communicate to the Government on key supply chain issues to promote a resilient industry and a successful phase out.

The EOI is open to applications for a single Transition Advocate or a small advisory group of 2-3 members, with the term of appointment to run until 30 June 2029.

In October the Albanese Labor Government committed a further $32.7 million to the transition support package for the phase out of live sheep exports by sea.

This increased the total amount to assist sheep producers and those in the associated supply chains to adapt from $64.6 million to $97.3 million, and raised the total overall package for the transition to $139.7 million.

The Government is working with the Western Australian Government to deliver key elements of the transition package including processing capacity grants and community wellbeing support.

For more information on the role and on the transition assistance package, visit www.agriculture.gov.au/transition-advocate

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:

“The transition advocate will be important in achieving the successful phase out of live sheep exports by sea.

“They will link stakeholders, producers and the supply chain to government, and act as a crucial conduit.

“Transparency, communication and engagement will be important aspects of the Transition Advocate’s role as part of a broader strategy to provide confidence for affected people, business and communities in the sheep supply chain.

“We are taking a steady, clear methodical approach to the phase out, ensuring certainty for business while supporting producers and processors to embrace the opportunities of the future.”