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 strategy expected to be finalised in 2027:
This chapter includes:
- Animals in production systems, including livestock such as terrestrial mammals, poultry and crocodiles.
This chapter includes:
- Aquatic animals in production (commercial fishing, aquaculture)
- Aquatic animals used in recreation (recreational fishing, the ornamental/aquarium industry)
- Aquatic animals in the wild, including marine fauna and marine animal management.
This chapter includes:
- Native, introduced and feral animals
- Feral animals hunted and harvested in the wild
- Native wildlife rescues
- Native wildlife parks
- Native animal management (including animals that are harvested in their own environment)
- The conservation and scientific study of native animals in captivity.
This chapter includes:
- All animals which are kept as pets, including but not limited to dogs, cats, rabbits, fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, ferrets and rodents
- Breeding and behavioural training of companion animals
- Horses, donkeys and mules, poultry and other animals typically used in production systems kept on hobby farms or as pets.
This chapter includes:
- Animals used for work (such as service animals and support animals of any species, and muster dogs)
- Animals used in sport (such as horse racing, greyhound racing and equestrian events)
- Animals used in recreation (such as circuses, magicians, rodeos, zoos, hunting, dog events).
This chapter includes:
- All animals used in research and teaching.
The parameters for each chapter have been developed based on feedback from stakeholders and consideration of the lapsed AAWS. Many animal welfare considerations are relevant to multiple species, chapters and stakeholder groups. Stakeholders may have interests across multiple chapters and can participate in the consultation process for more than one chapter.
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. |