Animal Welfare Working Group
The Animal Welfare Working Group (AWWG) is a sub-committee of the Animal Health Committee (AHC) and is responsible for the development of national standards for animal welfare. It has scientific support from government, industry and other stakeholders.
Membership
AWWG is chaired by the AHC member with the most expertise on animal welfare issues. AWWG membership comprises of representatives from:
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the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
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each state and territory government (drawn from State Animal Welfare Advisory Councils/Committees where they currently exist)
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CSIRO
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Animal Health Australia
Where appropriate, observers from industry organisations also attend AWWG meetings.
Terms of Reference
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Facilitate the development and implementation of national animal welfare standards and the harmonisation of animal welfare legislation, as it applies to enforcement of the standards.
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Advise on and recommend policy to the AHC on relevant issues relating to production and non-production animal welfare issues that the AHC determines to be of national significance.
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Address animal welfare issues brought to it by the AHC, including strategic priorities in the AHC work plan.
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Identify emerging animal welfare issues of importance for research or policy development in consultation with industry and other stakeholders.
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Prepare an annual work plan and provide reports to the AHC as appropriate, in particular written reports to in-person AHC meetings that address the work plan and any additional project proposals.
Method of Operation
The AWWG meets as required between in-person meetings of the AHC. As much business as possible is dealt with out-of-session.
National animal welfare standards are developed with support from scientific specialists. These specialists include scientists and vets from government working groups, industry representatives and other stakeholders (for example, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [RSPCA]).
The secretariat is provided by Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Model Codes of Practice
Model Codes of Practice are intended as a guide for people responsible for the welfare and husbandry of a range of animals. One of AWWGs functions is to advise the Australian Government on the effectiveness of these national codes of practice, policies, guidelines and legislation to safeguard and improve the welfare of animals.
The National Model Codes of Practice can be viewed on the CSIRO Publishing webpage.
Secretariat Contact Details
Email: Animal Welfare Branch