In a publicly available government paper, it is noted that sheep enjoying good care are not mulesed, while sheep suffering 'less than optimum care' are mulesed. Uncaring wool growers should be promoted to care for sheep rather than mules them! "4.65 The Committee noted that in areas of higher sheep density and smaller flocks, there was evidence that some producers were able and willing to put in the extra time and effort to breed out faults in sheep, to select resistant sheep, to control worms, to inspect and crutch and jet with chemicals more frequently to ensure a healthy flock without recourse to mulesing. It also noted, however, that some were not. In cases where sheep are going to be managed with less than optimum care and attention, the Committee would prefer to see the sheep mulesed than unmulesed. The Committee considers that the 'all or non' approach to mulesing is probably inevitable in extensive environments, and on balance considers that 'all' is the preferred option." http://www.aph.gov.au/binaries/senate/committee/history/animalwelfare_ctte/sheep_husbandry/04ch4.pdf