Update: Consultation extended – renewed Australian Animal Welfare Strategy

Attention

• All

Purpose

To inform stakeholders that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has extended the closing date for its 'Have your Say' process to inform the renewed Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS).

Key points

• As advised in EAN 2024-08, the Australian Government is undertaking public consultation on the renewal of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) through a Have Your Say survey and submissions process.
• Consultation has now been extended. The closing date for survey responses and submissions is now Sunday 30 June 2024 4:00PM (AEST).
• Interested parties are encouraged to share their views and insights on the challenges and opportunities for Australia's animal welfare system through a series of survey questions, or, by uploading a written submission to www.agriculture.gov.au/haveyoursay/aaws.
• The Australian Government committed $5 million over 4 years to the development of the renewed AAWS, with the objective of providing a framework for a national approach to animal welfare in Australia.
• The development of the renewed AAWS will be jointly led by the Australian, and state and territory governments, informed by engagement and feedback during consultation.
• The renewed AAWS will be released in chapters, each dedicated to one of six animal groups. It will establish a national framework to bring key stakeholders together on animal welfare issues and build on the previous strategy that was active from 2004 to 2014. The final strategy will be released in 2027.
• Further information about the AAWS is available at www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/animal/welfare/aaws.