KEEP the Sheep has invoked the memory of former Labor Prime Minister Bob Hawke in its promotion of a federal election campaign launch in Perth on 28 March.

To maximise numbers at the rally to highlight its aim of reversing the Albanese Government’s policy to phase out live sheep exports by sea from May 2028, the Western Australian-based group has sought the understanding of employers.

The pro-live sheep export group has invoked Mr Hawke’s famous statement — ‘Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum’ – made on 26 September 1983 when the yacht Australia II won the America’s Cup yacht race, breaking America’s 132-year winning streak.

In a media statement Keep the Sheep spokesman Benno Sutherland said Bob Hawke would never have let WA shearers, truckies, wharfies and farmers lose their jobs because of a few whiny activists on the east coast.

“But under Anthony Albanese that’s exactly what’s happening.

“The Labor Party began with shearers fighting for a fair go in the 1890s,” he said.

“Now they want you to put the shears down permanently.

“Albanese thinks we’ll just cop it,” Mr Sutherland said.

“But he’s wrong.

“We’re going to make this too big for him to ignore.”

Keep the Sheep will launch its federal election campaign with a convoy through WA’s capital city Perth.

“I need you there.

“Bring your ute, your truck, your car – whatever you’ve got,” Mr Sutherland has urged supporters.

“Join us at 7:30am, Friday 28 March 2025 at Neerabup, Mundijong, Bedfordale or Fremantle.

“After we make some noise, we’ll all meet at Quarry Farm in Whitby at 10:00am for a BBQ and rally.”

Mr Sutherland said Keep the Sheep’s message is simple: “stand with our rural communities. Put Labor last.”