THE Nationals have slammed the revelation that live sheep export farmers being forced to shut down their trade will not be given any support until after the next election.

The Federal Government told Senate Estimates earlier in the week its transition package for farmers won’t roll out until July 2025, despite the ripple effects from the original ban of farmers having already started to change production cycles and a consequential reduction in sheep prices.

The Department also revealed of the $139.7 million package, just $900,000 had been spent, but that amount had gone towards administration costs.

“Labor’s transition package for farmers won’t see the light of day until the next financial year and well after the next federal election,” The Nationals leader, Mr Littleproud said.

“This funding will come years after Labor initially announced it will end the trade. It is another delay in support for our farmers, who are having their livelihoods taken away.

“The Nationals fully support our live sheep export farmers and as our first action will reinstate the trade.

“We know our farmers want to keep their industry, not lose it with an insulting and delayed transition package.”

Farmers will not receive exit grants, while those in the processing industry could end up receiving more than the farmers impacted, with the Department telling Estimates “additional chiller and freezer space is needed”.