Fact Sheet for Independent AAO Employers

It is a scheme developed by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to provide for the employment of Australian Government Authorised Officers (AAOs) by independent employment providers. Under the Scheme, agencies will supply AAOs to Australian export slaughter establishments to meet EU standards.

Many countries accept product prepared to the Australian Standards, however where there are additional requirements, the department will develop programs to facilitate trade to those markets.

The European Union requires that post-mortem inspections are performed by inspectors employed by a party other than the food business operation. Therefore to export product to that market, AAOs must be sourced from an Independent Employer.

AAOs can be employed by an export registered abattoir or labour hire provider (e.g. independent AAO employer).

For the EU market, AAOs must be employed by an independent AAO employer approved by the department to supply AAOs.

Approval is granted when the applicant’s company has been accredited against all the criteria. Companies must also be able to maintain this accreditation.

An abattoir can use relief AAOs hired by the Independent AAO Employer to conduct other activities provided:

1. the AAO is not nominated in a position of management and control of the establishment; and
2. the primary function of the AAO is to perform meat inspection activities

Information on the application process for AAOs, including the application form and the Independent Employer of AAOs Accreditation Scheme is available on the department’s website.

To participate in this initiative visit the Independent Employer of AAOs Accreditation Scheme on the department’s website and download the Scheme information.

Departmental Contacts: AAO Coordinator, Meat Export Branch.

Email: aao@awe.gov.au
Telephone: 02 6272 3933