Sheep Producers Australia report faces scrutiny over errors

The Australian federal government is seeking explanations regarding factual errors and typographical mistakes in a taxpayer-funded report for the sheep industry. The report, titled ‘The Future Flock: Economic Analysis’ by Rennie Advisory, was co-funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) with a $270,000 contribution.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins has requested clarification on how the document, which was partly prepared using artificial intelligence, was published via the Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) website. The report is part of the industry’s first national strategy, supported by an $800,000 federal grant allocated from a $140 million package intended for the transition away from live sheep exports by sea.

Rennie Advisory executive director Eamon McGinn confirmed that a review identified inaccuracies in production figures, as well as formatting, footnoting, and syntax issues. The firm stated it would reissue the corrected report shortly.