Co-design of assistance measures for transition

Co-design is a way to tackle complex challenges by involving a wide range of people in creating solutions - especially those most affected by the outcome.

The process brings together people with personal experience of (or connection to) the issue, along with others who can contribute valuable insights and relevant expertise.

By seeking this diversity of stories, views, ideas and advice, the end-result is more likely to be connected to the needs and priorities of businesses, communities and people.

The workshops will provide an open forum to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition process. By engaging directly with those who understand the industry's complexities, we aim to empower participants to shape the allocation of transition funds in ways that support resilience, innovation, and informed decision-making.

In addition to challenges and opportunities, the workshops will be helping to co-design concepts that could assist industry to respond to the phase out. The workshops will also seek to identify features of a future thriving sheep and wool industry.

In partnership with peak bodies representing the sheep and farming sectors, the department identified a diverse sample group across the supply chain to participate in the co-design workshops. This approach ensures that perspectives from all parts of the industry—from producers, livestock agents, exporters, shearers and beyond—are heard and valued.

We are unable to make this information about names of participants available due to privacy and consent requirements.

There will be a total of 15 co-design workshops held over a 3-week period. The first 8 co-design workshops will focus on challenges and opportunities. The remaining 7 will focus on designing possible transition packages.

In addition, the department has held sessions to hear directly from peak bodies and industry advocates to help us identify key areas for co-design and help us recruit the right people to contribute to this genuine co-design process.

In partnership with peak bodies representing the sheep and farming sectors, we have identified a diverse sample group across the supply chain to participate in these co-design workshops. This approach ensures that perspectives from all parts of the industry—from producers, livestock agents, exporters, shearers and beyond—are heard and valued. Co-design works well when diverse and representative participants can be engaged.

Co-design sessions have been held in Perth, Esperance, Lake Grace, Narrogin, Darkin, Kojonup, Cranbrook and Albany.

A number of opportunities were identified by participants to build confidence and competition in a profitable and sustainable sheep and wool industry in WA. Examples include:

• Improving the marketability and value of merino wool and meat by developing new market opportunities, enhancing product branding, and ensuring fair pricing mechanisms
• Expand processing capacity in Western Australia through investments that support increased supply and reduce reliance on interstate or international processing
• Eliminate supply chain bottlenecks by streamlining logistics from feedlots to abattoirs, cold storage, export facilities, and ensuring efficient transport and access by air and sea to domestic and international markets
• Foster greater industry competition across all levels of the supply chain
• Efficient regulation that supports industry growth, including on farm
• Driving innovation and improved sustainability investing in research, feedlot development, wool promotion, and environmental resilience to maintain long-term industry strength
• Community & Workforce Development – supporting rural communities with education for employment, infrastructure development, and workforce retention.

Some participants reiterated their concerns over the live sheep export phase out legislation and asked this be stated as a condition of participation in the workshops.  Participants highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue between the industry, governments and relevant departments.  They also want to increase understanding between people in cities and the regions about the role of agriculture. The programs to be co-designed should build on, and not duplicate, existing programs across all levels of government.

Further co-design sessions are scheduled for Perth, Moora, Merredin, York, Boyanup and Fremantle.

Key findings and potential options will be prepared and shared with representatives from the supply chain for feedback.

From there, final programs will be agreed by government, with programs expected to open in the 2025–26 financial year.

In partnership with peak bodies representing the sheep and farming sectors, we have identified a diverse sample group across the supply chain to participate in the co-design workshops. This approach ensures that perspectives from all parts of the industry—from producers, livestock agents, exporters, shearers and beyond—are heard and valued.

Co-design works well when diverse and representative participants can be engaged.

We encourage you to provide your feedback by email to codesign@aff.gov.au.

No. This is a genuine co-design experience. The government has allocated funding but wants to hear the perspectives of those impacted from all parts of the industry—from producers, livestock agents, exporters, shearers and beyond—on how transition funding can best be allocated to support the industry through the transition.

That is what will be worked through in the co-design workshops. The workshops will provide an open forum to explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition process.

Phase out of live sheep exports by sea