An election moment for South Australia’s livestock industry
[As published in the Stock Journal]
With the state election approaching, livestock producers should be clear-eyed about what is at stake. Elections matter because policy settings matter, and for an industry that manages more than half of South Australia’s landmass, underpins regional economies and supports a third of the state’s manufacturing base, getting those settings right is critical.
Livestock SA has put a clear, evidence-based set of priorities to both the government and opposition. They are not wish lists. They are practical, investment opportunities grounded in the SA Red Meat and Wool Blueprint 2030.
First, the environment conversation has shifted, and producers are already doing the heavy lifting. Livestock businesses are central to emissions reduction, biodiversity management and natural capital outcomes. What’s missing is the enabling frameworks. Targeted investment that supports producers to baseline carbon and own their data, participate in emerging natural capital markets and cut through regulatory uncertainty is needed.
Second, market access is dependent on infrastructure. More than three-quarters of South Australia’s freight moves by road, yet regional and outback corridors carry a maintenance backlog north of $2 billion. This increases costs, reduces animal welfare and weakens export competitiveness making it an economy-wide issue. We are calling for focused investment in priority livestock freight routes. Every credible analysis shows this pays for itself several times over through productivity, safety and reliability gains.
Third, the costs and implications of not having a dedicated rural finance and development agency have been highlighted in this drought. Other states have shown the benefits of these independent agencies. When droughts, floods or market shocks hit, the absence of a standing, fit-for-purpose mechanism magnifies economic damage and slows recovery. Such an agency enables more timely, targeted financial assistance that significantly strengthens sovereign capability, regional resilience, long-term risk management and business development, and necessary structural adjustments.
Fourth, people remain the system constraint no one can ignore. Workforce shortages are biting from paddock to processor. At the same time, regulatory duplication continues to soak up time, capital and capability. Our call is simple: cut agricultural red tape materially by creating a one window rural approvals pathway, adopt a cost-benefit lens, and harmonise with national frameworks; and invest in targeted workforce attraction, skills and succession initiatives. Productivity doesn’t happen without people.
Finally, biosecurity is non-negotiable. Market access, brand trust and tourism amenity all rest on prevention. South Australia’s truck-wash network is ageing and patchy, leaving gaps in our first line of defence against diseases like foot-and-mouth or lumpy skin disease. This is low-cost insurance with very high returns, and it is far cheaper than the alternative.
The combined investment we are seeking is modest, but the return to South Australia is substantial: stronger regions, more resilient supply chains, protected exports and a globally competitive livestock industry.
As the election debate heats up, producers should expect more than slogans. This industry has put forward a plan. Now it’s up to all parties to show they understand and are prepared to back what underpins South Australia’s economy.
By Travis Tobin