4 ways to speak up for sheep in the lead up to the election.

In 2024, Australia made history by passing legislation to end live sheep export by May 2028. But with a federal election approaching, that progress is being challenged. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has vowed to overturn the ban if the Coalition is elected.

After decades of campaigning, investigations, powerful media exposes, cruelty complaints and supreme court challenges, Animals Australia’s work to end live sheep exports finally led to legislation being passed to phase out the cruel trade. This landmark victory was celebrated by caring people everywhere — including an overwhelming majority of Australians, even in regional and rural Western Australia, the “heartland” of the live sheep export industry.

Live export lobbyists are seizing this election period to stir division, spread fear, and play politics for their own gain — and while this is to be expected, we are determined to ensure that the voices of the millions of animals who have suffered because of this industry remain firmly in the pubic spotlight. We won’t forget them — and we know caring Australians won’t either.

This election will be a test of public support for the phase-out of live sheep export.

When Australians head to the polls on May 3rd, our vote will either protect sheep from live export cruelty – or side with an industry that profits from their suffering. Learn which parties will help animals if elected.

• The Australian Labor party passed legislation to end the trade by May 2028 and has committed nearly $140 million to support farmers in transition.
• The Liberal/National Coalition has vowed to reverse the ban if elected.
• The Australian Greens oppose live sheep exports and are calling for the phase-out deadline to be brought forward.
• The Animal Justice party is opposed to all live animal exports.

While a full repeal of the legislation would be difficult to achieve, a strong public message at the ballot box will send a clear signal that cruelty has no place in Australia’s future.

Most Australians support the ban — but not everyone knows what’s at stake…

Use your influence online (and offline!) by having conversations with friends and family about what their vote could mean for animals. Make sure you’re following Animals Australia on social media, as well as our friends at Stop Live Exports and the Australian Alliance for Animals and amplify messages in support of the end to the live sheep export trade. Help us ensure the animals are at the forefront of this issue and that people in your circle understand that live sheep export is a cruel and outdated industry already in terminal decline — and our choices at this election matter.

• Animals Australia: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | BlueSky | LinkedIn
• Australian Alliance for Animals: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | BlueSky | LinkedIn
• Stop Live Exports: Facebook | Instagram | BlueSky

Donate to support our ongoing campaigns to end live export — or wear your support by buying merch.

Your generous support can help to sustain our campaigns for animals in the lead-up to the election, and beyond. You can also purchase our ‘End Live Export’ merchandise, and proudly put your support for animals on display in your community. All proceeds support our work to end live export — and help us pivot to where animals need us next.

• Donate to support our advertising blitz in the lead-up to the election
• Donate to support our ongoing campaigns to end live export
• Buy end live export stickers, hoodies and tees

We know many caring Aussies may choose to raise this issue with their local MP.

If that’s you, we want to help you make it count. Whether you’re writing, calling, or meeting in person, being clear, respectful, and informed can make all the difference. Our friends at the Australian Alliance for Animals have produced a helpful guide to engaging with politicians which you can download here.  They’ve also produced a list of key talking points that you may wish to raise when speaking with your federal member.

The live sheep export industry is already in terminal decline. Even its strongest allies are starting to move on. But political pressure could still slow or reverse progress — and the animals can’t afford that. Together, we can protect this hard-won phase-out and send the strongest possible message: Australian sheep have suffered enough.

Authorised by Glenys Oogjes for Animals Australia, 37 O’Connell Street, North Melbourne, VIC, 3051