Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce welcomed the move to recommence exports, describing the live sheep trade as “vitally important” for producers.
The announcement has drawn questions over the potential for inhumane slaughter practices overseas, such as those exposed in 2012.
In making the announcement this morning, Mr Joyce ruled out reassurances that cases of animal cruelty wouldn’t reoccur, stating “we can never make promises that would be insincere”.
“We will manage this to the best of our ability,” he said.
“Our management process is always being improved and best adapted to try to minimise these risks.”
Both Australia and Egypt have agreed to implement the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System, which requires all exporters to be approved by the Australian Government.
The system also requires exporters conform to the World Organisation for Animal Health’s animal welfare recommendations.
Mr Joyce said he was proud of the system that Australia had in place and outlined his hopes to expand.
“I’m very welcoming of the fact that we now have the capacity to continue to drive forward our markets,” he said.
“This is a process that allows agriculture to really earn its title as the fifth pillar of our nation’s economy.”
Mr Joyce said the move would also benefit producers in Western Australia, where he will be travelling to on Friday.
