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1. Legislation
Under the current Australian constitution, legislative responsibility for animal welfare within Australia rests primarily with state and territory Governments. All states and territories have contemporary and comprehensive animal welfare legislation in place. [Links to relevant State and Territory Legislation].
Local Governments have legislation relating to the management of companion animals.
The Australian (Federal) Government has responsibility for trade and international agreements. This legislation covers the welfare of animals involved in the live animal export trade and animals processed at export registered slaughter establishments.
It also has overall responsibility for:
- the welfare of kangaroos killed for commercial purposes (State Management Plans are approved by the Australian Government Department of Environment and Water)
- the conduct of introduced animal management under the DEH National Threat Abatement Plans and
- animal welfare aspects of wild animal management and animal research on Australian Government lands.
The other Australian Government role is to provide input to international negotiations on animal welfare and the development of international standards. It negotiates treaties (eg the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora - CITES) and ensures compliance with those treaties it signs.
Protection of Australia’s environment is important for all Australians and for the welfare of our unique and diverse native wildlife.