AAWS Phase 1
Imagine being a livestock transporter in Australia where you must adhere to strict legal requirements—but they vary in each state? Transporting operators are currently faced with these logistical difficulties every time they routinely cross a border to deliver their goods.
This question of national consistency was addressed by Australian Government, industry bodies and animal welfare organisationsthrough the development of harmonised livestock welfare laws.
The welfare of livestock was previously managed by a series of Model Codes of Practice for the Welfare of Animals which is interpreted differently into individual state and territory legislation. A review of the Codes in 2005 identified ambiguity of the codes as a concern and recommended a move to national harmonization.
The review determined that under the current system, industry representativesfind the codes difficult to read and access key information in a user friendly format. This poses several issues for various business transactions, in particular transport. Difference in state and territory legislation causes confusion leading to inefficiency and increased costs.
The redevelopment of the Model Codes of Practice has delivered animal welfare outcomes that meet community and international expectations and reflect Australia’s position as a leader in modern, sustainable and scientifically-based welfare practice.
2012 Activity
State and Territory governments have worked towards having new national animal welfare standards for the transport of livestock ready to come into effect on 1 July 2012.
Unlike previous Codes of Practice, the Standards are now the same across all States and Territories, bringing consistency to the way livestock are transported nationally.
The AAWS Livestock Working Group has been busy drafting a brochure that informs all in the supply chain of their responsibilities under the new Standards. The media release is available here.
