Labor government would phase out live exports

Labor has announced it will end live sheep exports in government.

Shadow Agriculture Minister, Joel Fitzgibbon, says it should be phased in over a number of years.

"Labor sees no future in live sheep exports," he said.

"We want to work with the farmers and the sector more generally to transition out of live sheep exports in an orderly fashion.

"Labor see a bright future in jobs in that sector across the supply chain."

Mr Fitzgibbon said he didn’t think the inquiry would find the trade was sustainable.

"The industry has had plenty of chances to clean up its act, and failed," he said.

Labor would work towards a future that doesn't rely on live sheep exports.

"Labor's plan will add to farmer profits, it will add more value here in Australia, to create more jobs in Australia, create more jobs along the supply chain," Mr Fitzgibbon said. 

The announcement comes weeks before a report into the industry and its practices is presented to the Turnbull government, and after Labor said it would await the findings.

It follows shocking vision, obtained in a 60 Minutes investigation, revealing thousands of sheep had died en route to the Middle East, in apalling conditions and heat.

The prime minister immediately went on the attack.

"What the Labor Party has done today, has shown just how reckless they are in protecting the jobs of Australians," Malcolm Turnbull said.

"We should make decisions about our export industries with the benefit of science and information.

"We should do it on an informed basis. Not an emotional one."

The prime minister referred to the Gillard government's immediate ban on live cattle exports in 2011, after similar images emerged.

"It was a disaster. Real economic recklessness," Mr Turnbull said.

Mr Turnbull the government would await the findings, and ensure the animals are treated humanely.

"We are going to look after the wellbeing of those animals," he said.

And he committed to putting Australia jobs first.

Agriculture Minister, David Littlepoud, said Labor had forgotten the damage of the 2011 ban when the indusrty was plunged into chaor and jobs were lost.