2 February 2023
Species: Livestock
Countries: All
Attention
- All
Purpose
To advise all stakeholders that consultation on the implementation of an Inspector-General of Animal Welfare has commenced. The consultation paper is available for feedback on the department’s Have Your Say platform from 2 February to 2 March 2023.
Key points
- The Australian Government made a commitment to establish an Inspector-General of Animal Welfare. This will be achieved by expanding the current office of the Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports (IGLAE) to include animal welfare related objectives and expertise. The expanded office will be renamed as the Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports (IGAWLAE).
- Specific animal welfare objectives of the IGAWLAE are yet to be finalised and will be informed by stakeholder feedback on this consultation paper. All feedback will be considered in finalising the role of the IGAWLAE.
- You can provide feedback through the department’s Have Your Say platform. Consultation will be open from 2 February to 2 March 2023.
- The consultation paper is available at Have Your Say.
Background
- The Australian Government is providing $4 million over four years from 2022-23 to deliver its commitment to establish an Inspector-General of Animal Welfare, to strengthen animal welfare assurance, and increase accountability and transparency for animal welfare in livestock exports.
- The scope of the IGAWLAE will continue to encompass regulation of export livestock.
- The Commonwealth, through the department, regulates the export of livestock primarily through the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL).
- Australia's state and territory governments regulate domestic animal production and welfare laws. The Australian Government is committed to strengthening animal welfare and has committed to renew the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS). This is being progressed separately to the establishment of the IGAWLAE.
Brad Lockley
Director
Policy and Engagement Section
Animal Welfare Branch
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Tristram Boveington
Contact officer
03 8308 5035
IGAWLAE@aff.gov.au