A coalition of live sheep importers and exporters has taken court action against the Federal Government, claiming it will lose millions of dollars from a decision to reduce stock numbers on vessels bound for the Middle East.
The decision has meant thousands fewer sheep will be sent to various countries in nine voyages between May and October this year.
On May 12, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service imposed additional space requirements on the relevant vessels to help manage heat stress in sheep exported to the region.
They included an extra 10pc or 15pc space for sheep carried on vessels with open, two-tiered decks.
Solicitor Tim Cocks, for the companies, said outside court that they did not want damages or other compensation from the Government.
He said they were seeking to retain the shipping capacities they had always enjoyed, rather suffering the reduction.
A Government spokesman said AQIS had no comment to make because the case was before the court.
The companies are seeking orders to quash the decision, or an injunction to stop it being carried out.
According to court documents, the businesses include live animal importers based in Jordan and Kuwait, subsidiary companies owning Australian farming property or feedlots, and purchasers who earn management fees from buying stock.
Each claims a significant adverse impact on its business.
Sheep were to be transported via the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia, Libya, Israel and Jordan; and to Persian Gulf destinations Oman, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait.
The case is scheduled for mediation at the Federal Court in Western Australia on September 18.
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