Federal agriculture minister Julie Collins said the statement has sent an important signal to all Australians and its trading partners that animal welfare is a major priority for this country.
She said the statement acknowledges opportunities across leadership and coordination, standards and implementation, reporting and compliance, research and development, education and communication, and international engagement.
It also recognised the interconnectedness of animal welfare, human wellbeing, animal and human health, the environment and climate change, biosecurity, and Australia’s socioeconomic sustainability and prosperity.
The Albanese Government has also commited funding of $5 million across four years from 2023/24 for the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy.
To view the National Statement on Animal Welfare and the case studies, and for more information on the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy, visit Renewal of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) – DAFF (agriculture.gov.au).
“I welcome agreement by all Ministers on the National Statement on Animal Welfare as an indication of the nation’s firm commitment to shoring up Australia’s already strong animal welfare standards,” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP, said.
“The statement provides a snapshot of the challenges and opportunities in animal welfare in Australia, while cementing a commitment to working towards a vision for sustainable improvements.
“The renewed Australian Animal Welfare Strategy will signal to Australian consumers and our international trading partners that animal welfare is a priority for Australia.
“This strategy will also maintain Australia’s commitment to modern, sustainable, science and evidence-based animal welfare practices, which will support increased access to overseas markets while strengthening the reputation of our animal and agricultural industries with trading partners.”
State agricultural Ministers have also provided the following comments on the new National Statement on Animal Welfare:
Queensland Minister for Primary Industries, Tony Perrett:
“This is about more than just meeting expectations; it’s about demonstrating leadership and shared responsibility.
“Queensland will work alongside our fellow states and territories to ensure these priorities translate into real change, through research, compliance, and engagement with producers and communities.
“Strong animal welfare standards are not just a moral imperative; they’re critical for maintaining market access and supporting the long-term prosperity of our agricultural industries.”
NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty:
“The NSW Government is committed to enhancing animal welfare and is working with our national and other state governments to make this possible.
“The National Statement is an important step in ensuring joint leadership on animal welfare and sending a strong signal that this is a priority.
“This has been a long time coming and I thank the Albanese Government and Minister Collins for their role in making this happen.”
ACT Minister for Climate Change, Environment, Energy and Water, Suzanne Orr:
“I am proud to join my colleagues across Australia in signing this strong and coordinated approach to animal welfare.
“The ACT welcomes this important commitment to prioritising animal welfare across the nation.”
Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jane Howlett:
“The Tasmanian Government is taking action to improve animal welfare outcomes in the State.
“I stand with my fellow agriculture ministers as we work to establish sensible standards that demonstrate our strong position on animal welfare.
“In committing to this agreement, we will work with industry to ensure there are strong welfare outcomes based on available science and evidence.”
Victorian Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence:
“The Statement will set a direction forward to address industry and community expectations while delivering sustainable improvements to the welfare of all animals and ensuring we protect the international reputation that gives us access to overseas markets.”
“We will continue to maintain strong animal welfare standards in Victoria, we will work across industry and with our partners to uphold our commitment to modern, sustainable, evidence and science-based animal welfare practice.”
South Australian Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Clare Scriven:
“A consistent approach to animal welfare will best support sustainability and management going forward.
“The National Statement on Animal Welfare will help support the management and practices that inform strong biosecurity and export practices both domestically and internationally”.
Western Australian Minister for Agriculture and Food Jackie Jarvis:
“The Cook Government is committed to improving animal welfare standards in WA.
“Our Government is proud to endorse this National Statement on Animal Welfare, which will underline Australia’s strong animal welfare practices and support access to valuable export markets for our agriculture industry.”
Northern Territory Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Gerard Maley:
“The Northern Territory Government supports the National Statement on Animal Welfare, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to the highest standards of animal care.
“For Territorians, animal welfare is not a secondary priority—it is integral to the strength and continued success of our primary industries.
“The Northern Territory’s livestock sector and livestock export supply chain rely on robust, science-based practices to ensure the welfare of animals, which in turn enhances our reputation in international markets.
“I look forward to working alongside my fellow ministers to further improve our national approach to animal welfare, ensuring that the Northern Territory continues to lead by example in responsible and sustainable agricultural practices.”
National Farmer’s Federation statement:
The National Farmers’ Federation issued a statement, saying it recognised today’s release of the National Statement on Animal Welfare, agreed upon by all agricultural ministers, saying it can be the catalyst to rebuild trust with farmers on animal welfare policy.
“Animal welfare is fundamental to farmers. As stewards of farm animals, farmers care deeply about their livestock and take pride in being global leaders in the animal welfare space,” NFF said.
“The NFF remains committed to collaborating with its members, governments, and other stakeholders to continuously improve animal welfare outcomes, ensuring Australian farmers retain their world-leading reputation.
“We must acknowledge that farmers’ trust in government agendas on animal welfare policy has been eroded. This is largely due to the growing influence of extreme animal activist groups who lack understanding of livestock systems and fail to engage constructively with the industry.
“Today’s announcement presents an opportunity for governments to rebuild trust with farmers. To achieve meaningful improvements, animal welfare policies must be based on evidence, science, and developed in collaboration with farmers, who work with animals every day. We welcome the National Statement’s Vision which recognises this fact.
“The NFF shares governments’ commitment to promote best practice, showcase good outcomes and foster ongoing, transparent dialogue with the community. Building trust and transparency is a cornerstone of the NFF’s 2030 Roadmap to grow Australian agriculture into a $100 billion sector.
“The NFF welcomes recognition of the need to implement a coordinated approach to animal welfare research and extension activities. Australian farmers, through industry levies, have invested millions into initiatives to improve animal welfare outcomes.
“We reiterate that any efforts to enhance animal welfare must be grounded in unbiased, current, evidence-based science and guided by practical industry expertise.
“A collaborative approach between industry and government is essential for driving continuous improvement. The Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS), currently under development, is a critical platform for achieving this goal.
Dairy Australia’s commitment to end euthanising male calves by 2036 is perhaps a bit longer term. Does this welfare statement address this and pig euthanasia techniques in a more urgent framework.