More than 3000 farmers, truck drivers, shearers and their families have converged on Perth to protest an impending ban on live sheep exports.
The ban, due to come into effect in 2028, has sparked concerns it will have devastating consequences for regional communities heavily reliant on the industry.
Farmers in more than 1500 utes, trucks and tractors expressed their frustration and anger, demanding the Albanese government overturn the decision.
“This is just evidence that the bush has had enough,” Tony Seabrook from the Pastoralists and Graziers Association said.
“We’re sick of being pushed around, sick of being dictated to by a federal government that is not listening.”
Regional people fear the ban will decimate country towns and destroy their livelihoods.
“We’re just out there to feed the world and make sure everyone gets food on their plate,” farmer Wes Hagboom said.
But the federal government isn’t backing down.
“We know from surveys that this policy has the overwhelming support of West Australians,” Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said.
“So now what we’re doing is getting on and delivering an election commitment.”
The industry has refuted claims it doesn’t have animal welfare in mind, saying Australia follows some of the highest standards in the world.
Farmers and their supporters say they are determined to continue fighting against the ban until it is overturned.
This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.
