Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) 2024

# Export Control Amendment (Ending Live Sheep Exports by Sea) 2024 ## What it does Australia is banning the live export of sheep by sea, effective from 1 May 2028. This amends the Export Control Act to make it illegal to ship live sheep overseas, while other export methods (like air freight) remain legal. ## Why it matters This ends a controversial industry where hundreds of thousands of live sheep are transported on long sea voyages to the Middle East and other regions, often in conditions animal welfare advocates say are poor. The ban addresses long-standing concerns about animal suffering during these exports without completely shutting down sheep farming or all export options. ## Key details - **Commencement date**: The ban takes effect on 1 May 2028, giving the industry about 3.5 years to transition - **What's prohibited**: Only sea exports of sheep are banned; other transport methods and other livestock remain unaffected - **Who's affected**: Farmers and exporters currently involved in live sheep-by-sea trade will need to shift to alternative export methods or domestic markets - **Legal consequence**: Exporting live sheep by sea after the date becomes an offence under the Export Control Act, with penalties enforced through the law's existing enforcement provisions

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