Labor promises to end live sheep exports

Federal Labor will end the live sheep trade if it wins government, with a plan to transition the industry to meat processing.

Live exports are under immense pressure after shocking footage emerged of sheep dying on a voyage to the Middle East in 2016, prompting the government to announce a series of reviews into the trade.

"We don't see a future for live sheep exports," Labor's agriculture spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon told Sky News on Thursday.

Labor had previously called for a suspension of northern summer exports pending the outcome of a review led by veterinarian Michael McCarthy, which is due to deliver its findings in two weeks.

But on Thursday the opposition hardened its position, calling for the trade to be phased out amid animal welfare concerns.

"If we can focus more on premium markets, chilled lamb for example, to those burgeoning middle class markets in Asia, we can lift the profitability of our farmers," Mr Fitzgibbon said.

"This can be a win-win."

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud slammed Labor for not waiting for the findings of the McCarthy review.

"With the science just two weeks away, Labor rushes to a knee-jerk ban, punishing farmers who have done no wrong," Mr Littleproud said in a statement.

"Labor does not have the temperament to lead this country as it refuses to wait for the evidence."

Labor's pledge comes after Animals Australia and the RSPCA offered $1 million between them for sheep farmers if the government agrees to phase out the trade.