Aussie ag ministers turn up the heat on animal welfare

Attendees of today’s Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting committed to jointly develop a National Statement on Animal Welfare. 

Speaking after the virtual meeting of Commonwealth, state, and territory agriculture ministers, Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt, said the national statement would signal to Australians and Australia's international trading partners that national collaboration on animal welfare priorities is a shared goal. 

“The National Statement on Animal Welfare will provide a snapshot of the challenges and opportunities in animal welfare in Australia while cementing a commitment to working towards a vision for sustainable improvements,” Minister Watt said. 

“Animal welfare is the responsibility of all governments and we know that a strong animal welfare system relies on collaboration across the board. 

“This includes state and territory governments, who largely regulate animal welfare, but all levels of government and everyone that interacts with animals in their everyday life, whether you are an animal owner or carer, researcher, veterinarian, transporter, fisher or farmer.” 

Public consultation on the renewal of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) was also formally launched today and closes on May 20. 

The Australian Government committed $5 million across four years (2023-2027) to the development of a renewed AAWS in the May 2023 Budget, with the objective of providing a framework for a national approach to animal welfare in Australia. 

Ministers have agreed on a framework for the development of the strategy, including a set of overarching principles for a national governance model to ensure the strategy includes priorities and actions that are responsive and adaptive to modern challenges, opportunities and science. 

The National Statement on Animal Welfare will be a key milestone in the strategy’s development and will be developed during 2024. 

The strategy will be released in chapters, each dedicated to one of six animal groups with the final strategy expected to be released in 2027.   

“Animals are important for Australia socially, culturally, and economically,” Minister Watt said.   

“They are our companions, providers of assistance, contributors to health and ecological well-being, and suppliers of essential food and fibre resources.   

“The renewed strategy will provide a future plan for animal welfare in Australia to address community and international expectations – helping us gain greater market access and maintain current trade wins by showcasing and maturing Australia’s national approach to animal welfare.”   

Meanwhile, at the meeting ministers committed to focusing on biosecurity, climate smart agriculture, First Nations agriculture, trade, workforce, animal welfare and drought as priorities during 2024. 

Ministers also noted the importance of implementing mandatory electronic identification (eID) for sheep and goats, from 1 January 2025, to enhance Australia’s national livestock traceability as well as the importance of transition support for producers and industry across the supply chain in supporting its implementation.