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5. Education and training
Australia has a competency-based training and assessment system that delivers training courses under the National Training Quality Council, of the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training.
National standards are set for training and education qualifications at all levels of the community – primary and secondary school, industry, technical and university education systems. These national standards are applied in courses that educate and train persons who are to use, manage or treat animals. As further welfare standards are developed or revised, this system can be used to competently deliver appropriate training.
Australia promotes the training and accreditation of stock handlers and animal carers. The livestock industries have developed a range of courses and workshops to increase the skills of people working with the various species. These courses are provided through on-farm learning, seminars and workshops and through Technical and Further Education (TAFE) colleges.
The community sector receives companion animal education through the provision of educational services by some government agencies and non-government educational institutions and organisations as well as a range of distributed educational material.
Primary and secondary education sectors have the capacity to provide information on the use of animals in Australia and humane animal welfare practices.