THOUSANDS of people opposed to the live sheep export ban will leave their rural communities to protest on the streets of Perth on 28 March.

The Keep the Sheep Campaign Launch Convoy will launch the group’s official campaign before the federal election.

The group believes the Albanese Government’s ban on the export of live sheep by sea from 2028 will hurt rural communities in Western Australia and across the country by: causing large-scale rural unemployment; inadequate compensation for rural small businesses; driving family farms out of business and setting an alarming precedent for other industries.

The statement on its website also claims the move will risk food security for millions of people around the world; and reduce competition and supply, meaning higher prices for consumers.

The convoy of trucks and utes displaying campaign messages will travel from north, south, east and west through the city. The website says the event will be family-friendly and peaceful. 

Convoys will start from 7.30am from Neerabup in the north, Mundijong in the south, Bedfordale in the east and Fremantle in the west.

Organisers say the rally will be similar to the Keep the Sheep launch rally in May 2024 and each convoy will have a set route through and around Perth.

Organisers believe results from the WA state election showed a large swing across WA in regional and outer suburban areas.

“Despite not campaigning at this election, people are already hearing the message of how vital the sheep industry is to WA,” it says on the website.

“Voters clearly felt that the Cook Government, despite expressing support for the industry, hasn’t done enough and anger at Anthony Albanese’s ban spilled over to the state election.

“People felt compelled, even though live sheep exports are a federal issue, to express their dismay by voting against Labor when given the chance.

“The swing has been much stronger in areas where Labor’s sheep ban is hurting communities, like Albany and Kalamunda.

“The issue has also been recognised by voters where Keep the Sheep has been campaigning like Churchlands and Forrestfield.

“The Keep the Sheep campaign will be out in force at the federal election to reinforce our message: put Labor last.”