INDUSTRY groups have called for the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy to acknowledge unauthorised access to livestock enterprises has an adverse impact on animal welfare, by increasing animal stress, compromising biosecurity and interfering with routine husbandry, veterinary care and daily management.

The Federal Government has released a complete draft of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy, inviting public feedback for the final time, with submissions closing this Friday, 13 November.

In 2024, federal, state, and territory Agriculture Ministers committed to the development of a new AAWS by the end of 2027. At the time agricultural industry groups called for the strategy to be a consistent standard across jurisdictions and be a framework that is informed by science and not activism.

“One of our key priorities is a clear commitment to completing the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines (S&Gs), particularly those for livestock at processing establishments, within defined timeframes.

“The AAWS invites all who interact and care for animals to contribute to its achievement,” the draft strategy states.

“It reinforces that animal welfare is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation, accountability and a commitment to animal welfare stewardship.

“The AAWS provides a future focused national direction through a shared set of priorities, goals and objectives that reflect our current environment and challenges.

“The AAWS illustrates Australia’s commitment to achieving good animal welfare outcomes and supports continuous improvement through science and evidence.

“It provides a shared national direction and a focus for future collaboration and action, while recognising the respective roles, responsibilities and decision-making processes of governments, industries, organisations and individuals.”

Strategy needs to address trespassing, biosecurity and social capital

Livestock industry groups have welcomed the development of a nationally consistent animal welfare framework that promotes continuous improvement, recognises the diversity of Australia’s livestock production systems and reinforces that animal welfare standards and practices should be underpinned by science and evidence.

Industry groups that have submitted recommendations to the draft strategy have called for recognition of existing accredited schemes, recognition of biosecurity as a fundamental animal welfare measure and more education to help build community understanding of livestock production.

“The Strategy presents an opportunity to improve understanding of modern livestock production systems and the management practices that underpin Australia’s high animal welfare standards,” one industry group submission stated.

“The Strategy should encourage communication initiatives that improve public understanding through evidence-based information and greater visibility of independently audited assurance systems.”

Unauthorised access of livestock operations was also identified as a key area the Strategy should address.

“The Strategy needs to acknowledge that animal welfare outcomes may be compromised where those responsible for animal care are prevented from undertaking their duties safely or where livestock enterprises are subject to unlawful interference,” one industry group submission stated.

“The Strategy should recognize that maintaining secure livestock operations is an important component of protecting animal welfare outcomes.”

The Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) has provided feedback throughout the development of the draft strategy, calling for an approach that supports strong animal welfare outcomes while ensuring policy and regulatory settings are practical, evidence-based and nationally consistent.

“It is important that the final strategy has a clear and practical purpose, recognises existing regulatory and industry frameworks, and supports nationally consistent, science and evidence-based approaches to animal welfare without unnecessary duplication,” Tim Ryan, AMIC CEO said.

“We welcome the recognition of established industry programs, including independently audited programs such as the Australian Livestock Processing Industry Animal Welfare Certification System (AAWCS).

“It is particularly important to consider existing systems and how they can be utilised to avoid unnecessary duplication.

“AMIC will complete its detailed review of the draft and will assess whether the strategy appropriately recognises the practical operating environment of livestock production and processing, including the importance of clear regulatory responsibilities, nationally consistent approaches, and implementation that is proportionate, evidence-based and workable for industry.”

To have your say on the draft strategy, click here.