Nationals leader Michael McCormack has accused some animal activists of stopping at nothing to kill off live exports after money was reportedly offered to whistleblowers for incriminating footage.
Animals Australia sent emails discussing possible payments to a worker on the Awassi Express, the ship footage emerged from of thousands of sheep dying in their own filth, The Daily Telegraph reports.
"Many people want the live trade ceased and they'll stop at nothing to ensure that happens," Mr McCormack told ABC Radio on Thursday.
He said the government stood with responsible sheep exporters who put animal welfare at the front of their operations.
Whistleblower Fazal Ullah took video of the horrific scenes that was aired on 60 Minutes, prompting widespread outrage and an overhaul of the industry.
Animals Australia said Mr Ullah had obtained indisputable evidence of abuse, corroborated by other workers on the ship who were also concerned about animal welfare.
"The overwhelming evidence of suffering across five voyages, confirmed in End of Voyage Vet Reports, was accepted by industry associations and government regulators," a spokesman said in a statement.
"Mr Ullah was a brave whistleblower who came forward because of his genuine concerns about the suffering of animals in this disgraceful trade."
But with Mr Ullah a key commonwealth witness in a major criminal investigation into the Awassi, the lobby group refused to comment further.
"However, we reserve all of our rights with respect to any allegations made, defamatory or otherwise," the spokesman said.
