The ban on the live sheep trade is back in the spotlight ahead of the federal election. 

The federal government has appointed CSIRO Dr Chris Rodwell as the transition advocate for the phase out of live sheep exports. 

The search was expanded last month after Labor was unable to find someone to fill the role and industry walked away. 

Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Nationals Leader David Littleproud about the latest on ban, before the government made the announcement