Coalition brings Nats leader, WA and Eastern States MPs to Katanning to kick off live export forum blitz

Nationals leader David Littleproud flew into Katanning on March 6 for a Coalition-fronted live sheep export workshop to talk to farmers and stir them into action. Mr Littleproud was joined by Senator Slade Brockman, O’Connor MP Rick Wilson and Eastern States MPs Tony Pasin, Rowan Ramsay, Kevin Hogan, Sam Birrell and Andrew Willcox. Shire of Katanning president Kristy D’Aprile welcomed about 150 guests to the Katanning Sheep Saleyards, where panellists urged farmers to share their experiences with the rest of the country. Speaking to the Herald after the meeting, Mr Littleproud and Nationals WA deputy leader Peter Rundle said there was a need for communication between the city and country. “The currency of the message needs to come from the lived experience and personal stories that you hear in meetings like this . . . so people appreciate and understand the hurt and the trauma this government is inflicting on a personal level,” Mr Littleproud said. Nationals WA deputy leader Peter Rundle said there was a need for unity. “Country people resonate with their city cousins,” he said. “A lot of people in the city have got a connection with the bush, that’s really important. “The regional population is only 25 per cent of the State — we’ve got to get the message across to the other 75 per cent.” At the meeting, Dumbleyung mixed-enterprise farmer Harley Bairstow spoke up when the floor opened. “My main worry is the lack of recognition for farmers in this country,” Mr Bairstow said. “Most farmers couldn’t care less what your diet is, however even if it’s only grass you eat there’s a high probability it was grown by a farmer with pride and risk. “Farmers are sick of sitting at the bottom of the ladder . . . all we require is respect, leadership and a fair go.” The discussion was dominated by talk of the hurt farmers are experiencing, worry about the future economic viability of regional towns and the security of other agricultural industries. “The Government hasn’t said that they’re getting rid of the live beef trade but they haven’t said they won’t do away with it either,” Kojonup beef producer Melvin Hettner said. “I export 400-500 head every year and all the boats are half sheep and half cattle — I don’t think there are a lot of exporters that will come to our ports for only 50 per cent of a load.”