The opposition has accused the Government of keeping the live sheep export industry in the dark, after being denied access to the report findings, which were submitted to the agricultural minister in October.
Shadow agriculture minister, David Littleproud, recently submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request for the 230-page document to be released, but access was rejected due to Cabinet-in-Confidence, which aims to protect Cabinet deliberations and decisions.
"I am incredibly disappointment that Labor see fit to remain secretive about phasing out the live sheep export trade," he said.
"If agriculture minister Murray Watt is so confident in his decision to phase out the industry, why won't he release details of the report?
"We now know Minister Watt made decisions without being given proper modelling or details into the impact of banning live sheep exports and without evidence."
Meat & Livestock Australia reporting prices have dropped by up to 70 per cent in the saleyards for some sheep and lamb categories over the last 12 months and Littleproud said the industry has already lost confidence.
"Labor is destroying a whole industry. It will impact the sheep and wool industry across Australia," he said.
"Farmers are broken over this decision- it is also having an enormous emotional impact on thousands of people.
"If minister Watt is so confident in his decision and the science behind it, details about the Independent Panel Report must be released."
