The Nationals WA Senate Candidate, Paul Brown, has condemned the Albanese Government’s search for a $1,600-a-day “Transition Advocate” to manage its live sheep export ban, calling it a “poisoned chalice” and yet another example of taxpayer funds being wasted on ideology-driven decisions.
“This is the $1,600-a-day job nobody wants.” Mr Brown said.
“$1,600-a-day for 80 days work is an outrageous misuse of the funds the Labor claims to have allocated to ‘support’ the live sheep industry it is actively trying to destroy.” Mr. Brown said.
“Perhaps the government is struggling to fill the ‘transition’ role because the industry is persevering in hope a Coalition Government will be elected and overturn the senseless ban,”
“That, or no reasonable industry figure wants to be appointed as Albanese’s spin doctor, attempting to convince a thriving and sustainable industry they should roll over and accept defeat.”
“No amount of spin can save the Albanese Government from the consequences of this decision.” Mr Brown said
Last month in Senate Estimates it was revealed nearly $1 million from the Government’s transition package has been absorbed by bureaucratic administrative costs, with no ‘on-ground’ funding due to reach producers until next financial year.
“The Minister should be embarrassed – to promise an industry you’ll stand by them while overseeing their demise is one thing, pledging financial support and failing to deliver a single dollar to those who would benefit? Its dysfunctional.”
“Western Australians know the truth: Labor is more interested in appeasing inner-city activists than standing with regional communities.” Mr Brown said
The Nationals have pledged to repeal the live sheep export ban within the first 100 days of forming government.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to scrapping the ban and restoring confidence in the sheep industry,” Mr. Brown said.
“No spin doctor, no ‘focus group’, no common-sense thinking Australian believes this ban is more than an ideological stunt, and the Albanese Government may not be paying the transition cost now, but they’ll pay the price at the ballot box.”
