The roadmap describes how we plan to develop the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS), informed by broad consultation. Keep checking this page for updates as the AAWS is developed.
Pathway to AAWS development
What is the vision of the AAWS?
The vision statement described the aspiration for the future of Australia’s animal welfare system. The vision, developed through an extensive consultation process, will guide the delivery of the AAWS, alongside the key principles agreed by all Ministers.
Australia achieves good animal welfare outcomes through the development and adoption of animal welfare practices and standards that are underpinned by science and evidence.
Animal group chapters
The AAWS will include all animals and will be released in tranches by chapter as they are developed. Each chapter will be dedicated to one of 6 animal groups, with the final strategy expected to be published in 2027:
- Livestock and production animals
- Aquatic animals (including aquatic animals in production and wildlife)
- Animals in the wild (native, introduced and feral animals)
- Companion animals
- Animals used for work, sport and recreation
- Animals used in research and teaching.
Practical actions needed for meaningful improvements in Australia’s animal welfare system will be grouped under work streams and developed in consultation with key stakeholders.
Work streams and practical actions
Each animal group chapter will identify streams of work as determined through the first round of consultation for the renewal of the AAWS.
Work streams describe the priority areas of work that support the achievement of the AAWS purpose and vision:
- Leadership and coordination – establish governance arrangements to oversee implementation of the AAWS and coordination of activities
- Standards and implementation – implement standards development frameworks that identify national priorities and streamline the development and rapid adoption by jurisdictions
- Reporting and compliance – establish systems to track outcomes and monitor compliance
- Research and development – implement a coordinated approach to animal welfare research and extension activities
- Education and communication – promote best practice to industry and the community, showcase good outcomes and raise community awareness about animal use across all sectors
- International engagement – establish cooperation and sharing of animal welfare information with international standard-setting bodies such as the World Organisation for Animal Health and advocate for Australian standards and practices that are designed for our unique landscapes, ecosystems and climate.
The work streams were agreed during the first round of consultation and build on the goals of the lapsed strategy. Cross-stream priorities, such as issues relating to climate change and biosecurity, will also be addressed.
How chapters, work streams and practical actions work together
The animal chapters, work streams, and practical actions will come together to form a comprehensive and cohesive renewed AAWS.
| Chapters | Streams | Actions |
|---|---|---|
Each chapter will be dedicated to one of 6 animal groups.
| Identified within each chapter, relevant work streams will describe priority areas of work that support the achievement of the strategy’s purpose and vision. Workstreams will also address additional cross-stream priorities. | Grouped under relevant work streams, practical actions needed for meaningful improvements in Australia’s animal welfare system will be developed in consultation with stakeholders. |