The group saw changes to conditions on board vessels, including improved ventilation and increased pen space, and discussed the range of animal welfare indicators that are being developed and used by industry covering animal behaviours, management, and environment.

"As a Veterinarian, live export has been my gateway to the world. My role in compliance in an industry that has an unwavering commitment to improve animal welfare outcomes means that I can collaboratively have an influence in global standards and that is something I am really proud of.” Holly Ludeman Managing Director The Livestock Collective.

The live export industry supports jobs and economic growth in Australia – Studies into Australia’s livestock export trade have confirmed the trade supports over 10,000 jobs across Australia and contributes an average of $2 billion in export earnings annually to the Australian economy.

Millions of people around the world rely on Australia for protein through livestock exports.

“Livestock export is a crucial trade for cattle and sheep producers. Live exports provide producers with important additional market opportunities and supports the domestic sheep and cattle markets by helping to maintain market competition.” David Foote Chair Cattle Australia.

More than 100 countries are exporting livestock, Australia is the only country regulating international animal welfare standards from paddock to the point of processing. The live export of sheep also enables our trading partners to have access to live cattle.

“The importance of the tour this week was to demonstrate how the live sheep and cattle industries work well side by side and are both upholding the highest standards of animal welfare. A strong live export market allows producers to specialise and produce sheep tailored to the market and correspondingly attract premium returns for their product. Live exports puts competition into the market, adding competition to domestic demand and supporting farm gate returns whether it’s sheep or cattle – one aspect of live export can’t be stopped as it will be detrimental to the other.” Geoff Pearson Livestock President WAFarmers.

“As well as providing a living for many Western Australians, the trade supports many businesses, including feed suppliers, transport companies, veterinarians, exporters, and livestock agents. These businesses have either emerged to support the livestock export industry or have grown in response to it and are largely dependent on the trade for their business.” Andrew Spencer Chair Sheep Producers Australia.