About

LiveCorp is funded by statutory levies that are charged on the export of live beef and dairy cattle, sheep, lambs and goats.

Beef and dairy cattle exported live from Australia attract a cattle (exporters) charge, while sheep, lambs and goats exported live from Australia attract a livestock (exporters) charge, paid by the person who owns the animals at the time of export from Australia.

The funds are paid to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and distributed to LiveCorp. A proportion is allocated to research and development (R&D), and a proportion to marketing. The levy rates are:

• Cattle (other than dairy cattle) = 0.009523 cents per kilogram

  • Marketing = 0.007936 cents per kilogram

  • R&D = 0.001587 cents per kilogram

• Dairy cattle = $6 per head

  • Marketing = $5 per head

  • R&D = $1 per head

• Goats = 50 cents per head

  • Marketing = 40 cents per head

  • R&D = 10 cents per head

• Sheep and lambs = 60 cents per head

  • Marketing = 50 cents per head

  • R&D = 10 cents per head

The majority of rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) are eligible to receive matching Australian Government funds for the R&D proportion of the levies paid. LiveCorp receives this funding by pooling its R&D levies through an arrangement with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), the RDC for cattle, sheep and goat farmers, through the Livestock Export Program (LEP).

Can LiveCorp help me export animals?

No, LiveCorp does not export livestock – it is the service provider for licenced Australian exporters of sheep, cattle, buffalo and goats.

There is a trade enquiry form that allows you to fill in details about the livestock you want exported and the destination. Our members can access that information and will get in touch if they are interested in learning more.

Note that livestock cannot be exported to every country, and that our industry does not export pets or other types of livestock (such as horses, pig and chickens).

What’s the difference between LiveCorp and ALEC?

The Australian Livestock Exporters' Council (ALEC) is the peak body representing the livestock export industry. It is responsible for developing policy and advocating on behalf of the industry.

LiveCorp does not engage in any agri-political activity. It is the research body and service provider for the livestock export industry.

LiveCorp provides ALEC with technical advice and research to support industry issues and the development of policies on behalf of the industry.

Who regulates the industry?

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is the regulator of the Australian livestock export industry and responsible for ensuring compliance with legislation.

As the regulator, the department approves export licences; ensures exporters have and properly implement ‘Approved Arrangements’ which outline the process to prepare and certify livestock ready for export, as well as risk management plans; oversee the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) and Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS); provide accreditation for veterinarians to travel on livestock ships; puts Independent Observers on ships; requires audits to be carried out of all overseas facilities, such as feedlots and abattoirs, which receive Australian livestock; and investigates any breaches of the regulations.

LiveCorp supports licenced exporters in ensuring compliance with regulations as well as improving animal welfare standards, but is not responsible for enforcing the rules.

How can I apply for a job or work placement at LiveCorp?

LiveCorp is a small organisation, so there are limited opportunities for employment or work placement. To discuss options, please email livecorp@livecorp.com.au or phone 02 9929 6755. If you are seeking employment or a work placement with a livestock exporter, you will need to contact them separately.

All licenced Australian livestock exporters are eligible to become a member of LiveCorp, at no charge. Associate membership is available to organisations and individuals who contribute to the livestock export industry, for an annual fee.

LiveCorp is in regular contact with members over the phone and through email updates about changes to regulation, government reviews, and issues affecting the industry. Members also have access to content on the website not available to the general public, including tools and training materials, trade enquiries, submissions and contact details for LiveCorp Accredited Stockpersons and Australian Accredited Veterinarians (AAVs).

Active exporter members are entitled to full voting rights regarding resolutions at general meetings.

LiveCorp provides industry stakeholders with news and information through direct emails and the LiveCorp Insider e-newsletter; an opportunity to provide input into research, development and extension (RD&E) priorities and access to final reports; and technical advice and support through the Livestock Export Program’s in-market managers and industry services team.

To become a member of LiveCorp, complete an application form or email livecorp@livecorp.com.au.

LiveCorp consults and works closely with exporters, livestock industry representatives and the Australian Government. The greatest levels of collaboration are with the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council

The Australian Livestock Exporters' Council (ALEC) is the national peak industry council representing the livestock export industry and responsible for developing industry policy. Its members may include licensed livestock exporters and other participants in the supply chain, such as farmers, transport operators, equipment suppliers and stock handlers. It also has state chapters, whose membership may include a variety of participants in the livestock export industry.

LiveCorp provides ALEC with technical advice and research to support industry issues and the development of policies on behalf of the industry.

ALEC is funded by membership fees and an arrangement administered by the Red Meat Advisory Council (RMAC).

Meat & Livestock Australia

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), like LiveCorp, is a rural research and development corporation. It is the service provider for Australian sheep, cattle and goat farmers, and invests in domestic and international red meat marketing campaigns, as well as research, development and extension (RD&E).

In recognition of the vital role farmers play in the livestock export supply chain, LiveCorp and MLA jointly invest some of their levies through the Livestock Export Program (LEP), which receives matching Australian Government funds for research.

The LEP has a team of in-market managers who provide information, support and advice to Australian exporters, and to both government representatives and industry participants in countries which import Australian livestock. The LEP also manages the research program for the livestock export industry, which allocates more than 50% of its budget to animal welfare-related projects.