Wool industry fears for jobs, mental health as end to live sheep export approaches

Wool producers say Western Australia's $655 million wool industry and regional communities would suffer "catastrophic" consequences if the federal government closes the sheep live export trade. Key points: Western Australia's wool industry had a gross value of $655m last year Industry groups say stopping live exports will shrink the WA sheep flock, with potentially "catastrophic" consequences for wool WA's agriculture minister says she supports the sheep and wool industries Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has vowed his government will ban the live export of sheep by sea if it is elected for another term of government. Former Wool Producers director and vice president of WA Farmers Steve McGuire said shutting down the live export trade would have a "significant to catastrophic" impact on the state's wool industry, and supporting industries such as shearing and trucking. State government 'must' step in Former Nationals MP and owner of Jenna Livestock Paul Brown said the WA government needed to be "very loud and proud" about the value of the live sheep export industry, or the state would suffer wide-ranging social and economic losses.