The decision by the Australian Senate to force a Federal Government back-down on its plan for an unjustified biosecurity protection levy has been warmly welcomed by Sheep Producers Australia.

Sheep Producers Australia Chief Executive Officer said there were major flaws in the conception, design and handling of the proposed levy.

“The poor design of the levy had criticised by experts from some of our most respected national institutions including the Productivity Commission, the Office of Impact Analysis and the Australian National University,” Ms Skinner said.

“There was also a complete absence of industry support for the mechanism followed by a rushed, unrealistic approach to implementation."

“This all came when the sheep industry was being hit with major challenges such as low commodity prices, severe dry periods in key regions and the government’s inexplicable ban on live sheep exports by sea."

“Simply put, this was not the time for the Federal Government to burden sheep producers and the broader industry with even more unnecessary costs and challenges."

“Sheep Producers Australia will continue to call on government to uphold its responsibility to develop strategic, evidence-based policy and legislation underpinned by consultation and designed to support and increase the prosperity of the Australian sheep industry.”