Footage from voyages transporting live sheep to the Middle East in 2017 which aired recently has prompted the Australian Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud to review the powers and culture in the current independent regulator.

He said he is concerned that a mortality report he received from the independent regulator - the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources - did not accurately reflect the conditions seen in the video on the ship.

Whistleblower hotline

“No one who is doing the right thing should be scared of transparency. I thank the whistleblower for coming forward - we need more of it,” Littleproud said.

“A hotline for whistleblowers to call anonymously is a logical step to increase transparency and encourage that behaviour.”

He announced a review into investigative capability, powers and culture of the independent regulator, a number to allow whistleblowers to anonymously call and provide information and an intention to work with the Labour Party to increase penalties for those doing the wrong thing, through the bill is currently before Parliament.

"Personally, I'd like to see company directors be held more personally accountable if they do the wrong thing, facing big fines and possible jail time. They shouldn't be able to hide behind companies and shelf companies," Minister Littleproud said.

According to New Zealand animal advocacy organisation, SAFE, more than 4,000 sheep died in the five routine shipments aboard the Awassi Express headed to Gulf Countries.

“We are outraged that live export is still going on,” said SAFE campaigns director, Mandy Carter.

The Minister for Agriculture also announced a short, sharp review of the standards for the sheep trade during the Middle Eastern summer. The review is expected to take four weeks to allow any recommendations to be acted on before sheep are sent to the Middle Eastern summer from Australia's winter.

“I've asked Dr Michael McCarthy, a pre-eminent vet who has experience in the export industry, to undertake that review," Littleproud said. "It'd be great if the live export industry led on this issue and had already taken strong action by the time this review comes back. If I have to drag them kicking and screaming, I will, but I'd prefer they led and proved to the Australian people they are serious about cultural change."

Read more

Inside the mind of New Zealand's Agriculture Minister

Animal welfare centred scheme needed