A few days ago, I spoke in Parliament about the ban on live sheep export. Based on the evidence I've seen in the last year, I laid out the arguments for and against and said, on balance, I would support the ban. Since then, I've changed my mind.

In the last few days, I've heard so many stories from constituents and other Western Australians about the very real impacts a ban would have on them, on their livelihoods, their mental health, their families, and their communities. If the industry were to continue, I would want to see strong oversight and better measures of sheep welfare than just mortality.

The industry has been in decline in recent years, and this trend may continue anyway. It's worth noting that without a ban, there'd also be no transition support. If a ban goes ahead, I hope the government will consider the submission I've made on behalf of constituents about what the transition package needs to cover.

It's hard to change your mind, but as a community independent, I committed to listening to my community, and that's what I've done. Because I'm not a member of a political party, I can change my mind based on the evidence. I've agonized over this, as I think every parliamentarian should over every vote.

Thanks to everyone who shared their views with me on both sides of the debate. I'll keep doing my best to take a balanced view and represent the values and interests of the Curtin community.