The Australian government has challenged US pop star Pink's campaign to boycott the country's wool.
Pink has led campaigns for Peta before
Pink said the practice of "mulesing", or cutting flesh from lambs' rear ends without anaesthetic, was "sadistic".
But Australian Treasurer Peter Costello said the practice stopped sheep dying of maggot infestations and was humane.
He questioned Pink's expertise, saying: "Pink is entitled to her views but at the end of the day would Australia's farmers take advice from Pink?"
Costello said that that mulesing was a better option than leaving sheep to die.
"Sheep are at risk of being fly-blown and dying... it's not a pretty sight," he said. "Mulesing is not a pretty sight either but it's a damn sight more humane than letting a sheep die fly-blown in a paddock."
Pink claims that Australian sheep farmers are cruel in a video she's made for pressure group People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (Peta).
The mini-film on the Peta website features lambs undergoing mulesing, which is illegal in the UK.
Pink also condemns live sheep exports from Australia to the Middle East and Asia.
The singer says: "I am calling on consumers to check labels on sweaters before buying them, and if they're merino wool or made in Australia, to leave them on the racks."
Peta argues that humane alternatives to mulesing are available, but Australian farmers say it is necessary to prevent many slow and painful deaths.
Australian actress Toni Collette and Pretenders singer Chrissie Hynde have previously campaigned with Peta to end mulesing.
It's not the first time that Pink has flown the flag for Peta. She's previously written to Prince William to chide him for fox-hunting.
The singer also claims to have turned down an invitation to sing at the prince's birthday party because of his participation in other blood sports.
Other Peta supporters include actors Pamela Anderson and Sadie Frost, singer Moby and music mogul and X Factor star Simon Cowell.