Merino Export Guidelines
The 'Guidelines and Conditions for Merino Export Sales and Nomination of Merino Rams as Export Semen Donors' are published annually by the Australian Association of Stud Merino Breeders prior to the years selling season.
The guidelines 
Word [101kb] list the dates and quotas for designated export ram sales for the during the year and the procedures to be followed to ensure the proper conduct of a merino export ram sale.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon. Tony Burke MP, has requested the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry undertake a review of the current merino export policy, including the rationale for the restricting merino exports and the current administrative arrangements.
The department is therefore seeking 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 has been sent to representative organisations of the Australian wool industry for consideration.
If you would like to comment on the discussion paper Word [41kb] please forward them by 13 March 2009 to:
Manager
Wool and Dairy Section
Agricultural Productivity Division
GPO Box 858
CANBERRA ACT 2601
or via email to the address below or by phoning 02 6272 5680.
The department intends to complete its review by the end of March 2009 to allow time for government consideration of the recommendations and further consultation on any proposed changes. Revised arrangements would be put in place for the 2010 selling season.