Merino Export Guidelines

In 2009 the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon. Tony Burke MP, requested the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry review the merino export policy under the Livestock Export (Merino) Orders 1990. This policy prohibited the export of merino rams, ewes and reproductive material unless an exemption was obtained from the department.

In March 2009, the department sought the views of the Australian sheep and wool industries regarding the appropriateness of the regulation of merino exports and any potential consequences to industry of lifting those restrictions. A discussion paper was circulated to representative organisations of the Australian wool industry for consideration.

After extensive consideration the department finalised its review, recommending to Minister Burke that the restrictive policy should be revoked to free up the trade and support the growth of a global merino industry. This conclusion was supported by wool industry representative groups.

Minister Burke supported the recommendation and the Livestock Export (Merino) Repeal Order 2009 took effect from 1 January 2010.