Reforming Australian farm animal protection regulation

What is it about?

This article summarise some shortcomings in standard-setting for the protection of farm animals in Australia. These shortcomings have provoked calls for change from a range of sources, with the Productivity Commission a significant new institutional voice recommending reform.

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Why is it important?

Farm animal protection policy in Australia is at a tipping point. Recommendations arising from live sheep export reviews have emphasised, among other things, the need for a federal animal welfare unit. A change in government at the next federal election is likely to accelerate and broaden the reform process, with the Productivity Commission recommendation for an independent, federal statutory animal welfare agency likely to be implemented. This has the potential to significantly improve standard-setting processes for farm animal protection.