A new report shows that Australia is the world’s leading exporter of lamb, with the red meat and livestock industry representing around $13.3 billion in export earnings.

State of the Industry 2018: the Australian red meat and livestock industry was developed by the Australian red meat and livestock industry’s service provider Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

Independent Chair of the Red Meat Advisory Council, Mr Don Mackay, said the State of the Industry Report 2018 highlights the key economic and community role the Australian red meat and livestock industry plays for the nation – and the potential for it to make an even bigger contribution.

“Our industry continues to be a major employer, employing 438,100 Australians directly and indirectly, supporting 82,500 businesses and generating $65 billion in turnover,” said Mackay. “90 per cent of these jobs are regionally and rurally based; and our combined workforce accounts for 4% of total industry employment in this country.”

Call for policy to address industry issues

Mr Mackay said the report highlighted more than ever the need for good policy for the red meat industry to prosper into the future. Among the challenges facing the industry, Mr Mackay cited labour shortages, impediments to foreign investment, and the cost of sustainability contributions. 

“The Australian red meat and livestock industry generated more than $13 billon for the nation last year and has the potential to grow its contribution through investment in our people, our land and opening up markets,” Mr Mackay said. “Our industry requires $600 billion in additional investment by 2050 according to ANZ; yet we are the fourth most limited country globally in terms of impediments to attracting foreign investment.”

Industry emissions have been reduced by 45 per cent over a ten-year period under the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework, though Mr Mackay says more should be done to reward contributions. “We need state and federal government policy that rewards our farmers, feedlotters, retailers and manufacturers for their sustainability contributions to Australia,” he said. 

Mr Mackay added “Last but not least, we face a chronic shortage of people and need to build regions that are an attractive place to work; that facilitates the addition of overseas workers where local labour gaps exist.”

“Australian red meat is currently exported and enjoyed in more than 100 countries around the world. As an industry, we will ensure we continue develop and prosper for the benefit of all Australians.”

“We call on both the Coalition Government and the Opposition to consider how they can help our industry be the most economically, ethically and environmentally robust industry so that we can continue to sustain and nourish Australia.”

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