Response to the Gemmell external review of the AAWS

1

The Commonwealth continue to provide financial support to the AAWS against the recommendations and program refinements that follow.

Agreed in principle

Agreed

Agreed in principle

2

In support of the recent project funding amendments approved by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, continued effort be applied to seeking supplementary funding for AAWS from sources other than the Commonwealth.

Agreed

Agreed

Agreed

3

The National Implementation Plan (NIP) should be reviewed and refined, with a particular aim of removing much of the complexity.

Agreed

Agreed

Agreed

4

In conjunction with this, the sectoral and cross sectoral Working Groups (WGs) should be asked to set down the 2 to 4 key outputs they plan to achieve in the next 2-3 years. The results, once agreed, making the new NIP.

Agreed

Agreed

Agreed in principle Agreed

5

Selection criteria for appointments to committees should be developed, documented and made available.

Agreed

Agreed

Agreed

6

Terms of reference for each Working Group be included in the terms of engagement for members

Agreed

Agreed

Agreed

7

Guidelines should be developed to govern how committees will be refreshed over time. It is suggested that all members be appointed for fixed terms (say 3 years). Reappointments could be made, but should be the exception rather than the rule.

Agreed in principle

Agreed in principle

Agreed in principle

8

In making appointments of committee chairs, DAFF should consider the usefulness of appointing an independent chair where people with the requisite communication, leadership skills and political savvy are available.

Agreed in principle

Agreed in principle

Agreed in principle

9

In support of the recent project funding amendments approved by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, continued effort be applied to close scrutiny of project proposals.

Agreed

Agreed

Agreed

10

DAFF consider creating two categories of project funding. One covering strategic projects of importance to the Commonwealth, such as development of codes of practice, standards and harmonisation related projects and development of benchmarking and national statistics. The other covering other AAWS funded projects

Agreed in principle

Agreed

Agreed in principle

11

DAFF should consider developing a simple numbering system for approved projects that would help link the project to the particular AAWS activity, goal and/or objective it is intended to support.

Agreed

Agreed

Agreed

12

Combine the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy Advisory Committee (AAWS AC) and the National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare (NCCAW) committees and review membership.

Agreed in principle

Agreed

Agreed, but has not yet been resolved

13

The combined committee would provide advice to the Minister through DAFF on animal welfare matters. Its roles would be:

• to oversight implementation of AAWS;
• provide advice sought by the Minister; and
• keep abreast (and ahead) of animal welfare matters generally and provide advice accordingly.

Agreed in principle

Agreed

Agreed, but has not been resolved

14

The combined committee should interact regularly with the Animal Welfare Sub-Committee of the Animal Welfare and Product Integrity Taskforce by seeking advice from the jurisdictions through AWC on issues under consideration and provide advice to AWC on any issues referred.

Agreed

Agreed

Agreed

15

No structural changes are proposed to the current sectoral and cross-sectoral Working Groups.

Agreed

Agreed

Agreed

16

The lack of a government governance structure for non-production animals should be addressed. The arrangements very recently endorsed by the Animal Welfare and Product Integrity Taskforce should resolve this issue, but should be kept under review for effectiveness.

Issue progressed and resolved

Issue progressed and resolved

Issue progressed and resolved

17

DAFF should look to enhance the general public website now available as a priority and make it more accessible to the public.

Agreed

Agreed

Agreed. Negotiations are continuing about using an external provider

18

This should be supported by a website for stakeholders involved with AAWS, where detailed progress and bulletins could be made available.

Agreed

Agreed

Issue assisted with availability of ‘Sharepoint’ facility, but dedicated website not yet resolved

19

More communication effort should be put into ensuring that all stakeholders are able to see where each element of the AAWS implementation is at.

Agreed

Agreed

Agreed

20

DAFF should continue to fund travel, accommodation etc for meetings. But the number of meetings required should be reviewed in the light of available resources. One meeting a year of each committee is the suggested minimum.

Agreed

Agreed

Agreed

1

The Commonwealth continue to provide financial support to the AAWS against the recommendations and program refinements that follow.

Agreed in principle

Need to work hard to get others to accept responsibility and provide inputs.

Commonwealth needs to continue to provide the drive and take the leadership position. Recognition that many others have had significant contributions and these need to be properly costed and recognised.

Agreed

Commonwealth needs to continue its leadership role.

Agreed in principle

There is a clear role for the Commonwealth to continue to provide leadership and act as a driver for the implementation of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy. Ongoing funding support from the Commonwealth provides weight to this role. However, as the AAWS implementation is an agreed shared responsibility between all stakeholders, more effort needs to be made to facilitate ownership and input from external parties.

2

In support of the recent project funding amendments approved by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, continued effort be applied to seeking supplementary funding for AAWS from sources other than the Commonwealth.

Agreed

Sectoral groups need to think about securing additional funding.

Need to have a strategy for it.

Must protect the credibility of the AAWS and the process.

Financial and in-kind contributions to be recognised.

Agreed

Perception that AAWS has fallen into a hole?

Due to the silence and lack of visibility.

Agreed

Significant contribution has already been made by stakeholders. While it is acknowledged this contribution is not generally costed, recorded or shared.

The current status of the economy means that securing funding support from external stakeholders could be difficult in the near to mid-term future.

All sectors need to be encouraged to actively contribute to achieving the specified aims of the AAWS.

3

The National Implementation Plan (NIP) should be reviewed and refined, with a particular aim of removing much of the complexity.

Agreed

Reduce the multiplicity and focus on the outcomes.

NIP needs to be refined – has been signed off by Ministers so can’t be reviewed as such.

Annual workplan is an important addition.

Reduce the overlap and repetition.

Agreed

Is cumbersome and needs to be made clear what is happening.

The important missing element has been the annual workplan.

Aim to reduce overlap and repetition, and focus on the outcomes.

Agreed

The National Implementation Plan has been endorsed by Ministers to ensure high level commitment to shared responsibility for implementation. PIMC endorsement of a revised NIP will be sought.

The revision will focus on reducing the complexity and overlap within the document.

To complement the overarching strategy and the National Implementation Plan an annual workplan will be developed that identifies key priorities for each sector and the activities to be undertaken.

4

In conjunction with this, the sectoral and cross sectoral Working Groups (WGs) should be asked to set down the 2 to 4 key outputs they plan to achieve in the next 2-3 years. The results, once agreed, making the new NIP.

Agreed

Priorities should be necessary, have a high-benefit cost ratio and be achievable. Try to identify one project in each area that would be high profile and keep us on the agenda.

Wording of last sentence changed to ‘making the annual workplan.’

Agreed

Only feasible to have major or key outputs that can be achieved in one year.

Comes down to have a face to face meeting to get people engaged.

Activities should be achievable, necessary, good cost-benefit ratio and profile.

Agreed in principle

As part of the process to refine the National Implementation Plan and establish the annual workplan the sectoral groups will be asked to confirm priorities for the coming year and identify activities to be undertaken. This will become part of the annual planning cycle for the program.

5

Selection criteria for appointments to committees should be developed, documented and made available.

Agreed

Can’t get bogged down in organisational representation, committees should be expertise based.

Agreed

Important that there be ownership and people with direct links back to their organisations. Peak bodies must be aware of what is going on.

Should be nominations based on expertise as well as organisational representation.

Agreed

The development and documentation of appropriate selection criteria for each of the committees and working groups under the AAWS structure is believed to be an integral component in improved governance and accountability arrangements.

6

Terms of reference for each WG be included in the terms of engagement for members.

Agreed

Cross sectoral groups are working under terms of reference and this needs to be acknowledged.

Agreed

Agreed

Terms of reference statements have been developed for some working groups but not all. All working groups are to be periodically reminded of the terms of reference as part of ongoing governance arrangements.

7

Guidelines should be developed to govern how committees will be refreshed over time. It is suggested that all members be appointed for fixed terms (say 3 years). Reappointments could be made, but should be the exception rather than the rule.

Agreed in principle

Important that corporate memory is retained while achieving renewal.

At the end of a term the best person for a committee must be able to be selected.

Changeover can be disruptive and resource intensive. Four year terms preferred, with overlapping periods.

This should be an aim rather than a requirement. Write into guidelines.

Agree that Advisory Committee and Working Group committees can be dealt with differently.

Agreed in principle

A balancing act. Formal reappointment system could be useful to help move people on when necessary.

Should be a term, but not turnover as an aim.

Agreed in principle

A balance needs to be struck to deliver refreshment and renewal of committees and working groups while retaining significant corporate memory.

Establishing a term of appointment is agreed but including a requirement to limit reappointments is not believed to be necessary. Selection process must have sufficient flexibility to ensure the committee maintains a mix of relevant expertise and skills.

Four years is agreed to be the preferred length for a fixed term, with committee members on overlapping terms to prevent complete loss of corporate memory.

There also needs to be recognition in selection guidelines and approaches of the differences between the top level Ministerial advisory committee and working groups or other sub groups.

8

In making appointments of committee chairs, DAFF should consider the usefulness of appointing an independent chair where people with the requisite communication, leadership skills and political savvy are available.

Agreed in principle

Independent should not mean content-free. Issue to be considered in more detail at June strategic workshop.

* Independent should mean that the chair is able to understand the issues but avoid pushing an agenda. Chairs should carefully selected.
* AAWS AC Chair appointment is made by the Minister. AC Chair should be independent of any particular organisation or issue.
* WG/Committee Chairs should be able to ensure that there is proper and open debate on an issue. Often these people exist in the working groups. Sectoral working group chairs should be people who have expertise but can take an unbiased view.
* Cross sectoral chairs must have a real feel for these areas. These people must know the area they are dealing with. Should be expertise based.

The presence of the mentors can help to address issues of bias, but this role should be examined more fully at the June meeting.

Agreed in principle

Independence would be second on the list, ability to chair and enthusiasm to the task top requirements. Must be able to run a meeting without skewing it.

Unsure what independent could mean.

Uncomfortable with the comment ‘political savvy’. Not supported.

Such a person as a chair needs to understand the operating environment of different constituents, and made sure that through the course of the meeting everyone’s views were heard.

Agreed in principle

The Ministerial Advisory Committee chair is a Ministerial appointment.

Chairs of the working groups and sub committees need to be independent in the sense that they do not engage in skewing the debate or pushing an agenda. Skills in chairing meetings, sufficient understanding of the sector and the issues, and enthusiasm for the subject are seen to be key criteria.

9

In support of the recent project funding amendments approved by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, continued effort be applied to close scrutiny of project proposals.

Agreed

Agreed

New procedure puts more rigour into the system.

All projects to be necessary, achievable and deliver a return.

Agreed

The introduction of more rigour into the system is a positive development and a key governance improvement.

10

DAFF consider creating two categories of project funding. One covering strategic projects of importance to the Commonwealth, such as development of codes of practice, standards and harmonisation related projects and development of benchmarking and national statistics. The other covering other AAWS funded projects

Agreed in principle

Part of improved budget planning process. Issues to be discussed in detail at June strategic workshop.

Three categories suggested:

• Commonwealth
• AAWS
• Sectoral

Must need to find efficiencies and streamline processes. Have to get a lot smarter or better for things not to be a significant strain on resources.

Do less things but do them better.
AAWS AC to provide funding recommendations on an annual basis for priority activities.

Agreed

Unsure of the implication.

To be discussed in greater detail by AAWS AC

Agreed in principle

The AAWS AC has suggested creating three categories of projects which could receive funding from the AAWS.

The identified categories are:

• Projects of strategic importance to the Commonwealth
• Projects of national strategic importance under the AAWS
• Projects to address sectoral and cross-sectoral priorities.

Funding levels for each will be established as part of the AAWS annual work plan.

11

DAFF should consider developing a simple numbering system for approved projects that would help link the project to the particular AAWS activity, goal and/or objective it is intended to support.

Agreed

Agreed

Agreed

To be addressed by the Animal Welfare Branch as part of management system improvements.

12

Combine the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy Advisory Committee (AAWS AC) and the National Consultative Committee on Animal Welfare (NCCAW) committees and review membership.

Agreed in principle

Noted that the functions of NCCAW and AAWS AC were different and still needed to be addressed. Restructure the system to ensure only one advisory committee reporting to the Minister. Need to have a forum to reengage with the states and territories. Structure and membership details to be discussed at June strategic workshop.

* AAWS AC set up for a specific purpose and should be the committee which advises the Minister and no-one else (ie not NCCAW). NCCAW has a role which is valuable and there needs to be a model to reengaged with the states as well as the NGOs.
* Consider establishing a committee to advise the AAWS AC whether recommendations from sectors are practical, politically possible etc. Cannot overload the AAWS AC.
NCCAW served a very useful purpose. AAWS AC could not have done what it has done without NCCAW.
* The role of the state and territory government representatives has been overlooked. NCCAW also helped saved duplication within the administrative system (through to States and territories).
* Connection with AWC is crucial. Minister doesn’t want two advisory committees on welfare.
Need to a pathway that doesn’t duplicate but still delivers the functions and leaves one committee at the top advising the Minister.
Have to have a sub-committee structure. * Accept that there will be only one committee but need to ensure that all the functions are properly met.
Below the AAWS AC might have a forum. Structure and membership criteria to be discussed at the June meeting.

* Need to re-engage the states and territories, sectoral working groups are the drivers for animal welfare debate, AAWS AC is the sole advisory group to the Minister.
Relationship between the AWC and the sectoral committees needs to be defined and an integrated system be developed.
A new committee to be created to take over the functions of NCCAW. This is ambiguous. Ensure important functions of NCCAW are retained in whatever structure emerges.

Agreed

Some question marks about the need to merge the two committees, and how the process is to be managed if indeed it does. The different committees have different roles.

Need to work out how the PISC/AWC structure will operate, and then work out what we are trying to achieve before putting the structure together. Strategy before structure.

A primary benefit of NCCAW in the past has been the communication with the states and engagement with the states and territories. That has been lost and how we get it.

AWC does include all Depts with legislative responsibilities, and the AWC has a mandate to look beyond farm animals. AWC will have the responsibility to act as a ‘clearing house’ for standards and guidelines.

Reformed NCCAW not been a success at all. In a political context can only have one advisory committee to the Minister and would have difficulty arguing for two. Need to have the States and Territories back. Very good system with sectoral working groups which can make recommendations on issues. But these recommendations need to be tempered by another body, which includes input from states and territories, to determine the regulatory requirements etc.

Modified recommendations could be then sent through AAWS AC and into other processes as necessary.

The role of NCCAW is seen as being very important and has underpinned the AAWS.

Need to also have a mechanism for proactive advice to Minister about emerging issues. Community view also needs to be acknowledged and accommodated.

Agreed

There is in-principle agreement that the Minister should only have one animal welfare advisory committee, and thus the current structure needs to change. However, there are important functions fulfilled by both committees and these need to be retained within the overall animal welfare structures. Improved and ongoing engagement with the states and territories is a priority.

13

The combined committee would provide advice to the Minister through DAFF on animal welfare matters. Its roles would be:

• to oversight implementation of AAWS;
• provide advice sought by the Minister; and
• keep abreast (and ahead) of animal welfare matters generally and provide advice accordingly.

Agreed in principle

As above

Agreed

Covered in discussion of rec 12

Agreed in principle

As above, there is agreement that only one advisory committee to the Minister is required, but there should also be recognition of the different roles fulfilled by AAWS AC and NCCAW that need to continue into the future.

The Animal Welfare Branch will develop a discussion paper on a new structure for animal welfare which features a single advisory committee but also ensures other issues and functions receive appropriate levels of attention.

14

The combined committee should interact regularly with the Animal Welfare Sub-Committee of the Animal Welfare and Product Integrity Taskforce by seeking advice from the jurisdictions through AWC on issues under consideration and provide advice to AWC on any issues referred.

Agreed

Agreed

Covered in discussion of rec 12.
What are the next steps?

Need to reflect the views and consider the logistics in delivering the AAWS.

The thoughts of NCCAW and AAWS AC will based to the Minister in terms of the recommendations. Will discuss with the office how they wish to take it forward.

Has been made clear that the Minister doesn’t want two advisory committees on animal welfare.

Questions about whether the AAWS AC is an advisory committee to the Minister so is there a problem?

Important to move as quickly as possible to close the hiatus.

Agreed

Interaction between the AAWS and the states and territories was identified as a priority issue. The Animal Welfare Committee will provide be an important element for this interaction and engagement.

15

No structural changes are proposed to the current sectoral and cross-sectoral Working Groups.

Agreed

Any requirement for new groups to be discussed at June workshop.

Agreed

Overall assessment from the Chairman is that the working groups have worked well given the obstructions – but undoubtably improvements can be made.

Working Groups need the input from a secretary from the Department. Will continue to need that to drive them.

Role of mentors needs to be considered and possibly clarified/refined.

Agreed

The working groups are seen as a critical component in the successful implementation of the AAWS. Generally the working groups have functioned well.

Arrangements for the working groups will be reviewed by the AAWS Advisory Committee.

16

The lack of a government governance structure for non-production animals should be addressed. The arrangements very recently endorsed by the Animal Welfare and Product Integrity Taskforce should resolve this issue, but should be kept under review for effectiveness.

Issue progressed and resolved

National approach endorsed by PIMC on 21 May 2009

Issues progressed and resolved

Progress made. National approach endorsed by PIMC on 21 May 2009

Issues progressed and resolved

This issue has progressed and PIMC 15 on May 21 2009 agreed to an approach to achieve national endorsement of standards for non-production animals.

17

DAFF should look to enhance the general public website now available as a priority and make it more accessible to the public.

Agreed

Caught up in internal issues. Would like to provide this in more detail to the face-to-face meeting in June following further discussions with DAFF Corporate Communications.

Agreed

17, 18 19 considered together as a matter of communication. Will be a key matter of discussion at workshop in June.
Three components to the online presence.

• DAFF website
• Sharepoint
• Animal Welfare in Australia website

Need to keep everyone that is engaged in the process involved and informed.

Agreed

Recommendations 17, 18 and 19 are all part of ongoing issues with communication resourcing within the AAWS program. The failure to create and launch a public website about general animal welfare issues and arrangements in Australia is conspicuous and a sore point within the stakeholder group. The approach being followed should be reviewed and altered as necessary because it will be difficult for the animal welfare branch/DAFF to deliver and maintain appropriately in the long term.

18

This should be supported by a website for stakeholders involved with AAWS, where detailed progress and bulletins could be made available.

Agreed

Agreed

Issues progressed and resolved

A stakeholder collaborative system ‘Sharepoint’ has been developed and was made available in early June.

19

More communication effort should be put into ensuring that all stakeholders are able to see where each element of the AAWS implementation is at.

Agreed

Communications need to be revisited and fully discussed at the June AAWS AC workshop.

Agreed

Agreed

Communication resourcing is an ongoing issue within the program. The communication strategy has been reviewed to identify potential for revision, and a workshop held with the communication and education working groups to develop a tactical implementation plan for 2009-10.

20

DAFF should continue to fund travel, accommodation etc for meetings. But the number of meetings required should be reviewed in the light of available resources. One meeting a year of each committee is the suggested minimum.

Agreed

At least one face to face meeting will be important for all groups, with teleconferences used otherwise. AAWS AC may need more face to face meetings but this will be monitored and determined as necessary.

Further discussion about way forward at June workshop.

Agreed

Important to have face-to-face meetings to develop relationships.

Agreed

Face to face meetings are recognised as crucial for establishing and maintaining positive and constructive relationships between the participants in the AAWS processes. At a minimum one face to face meeting a year of each working group is required. Expenses for these meetings should continue to be met from the AAWS budget to ensure equity and accessibility across the stakeholder group. The Ministerial advisory committee is likely to require more than one face to face meeting a year although this situation will be monitored with appropriate courses of action determined as necessary.

AAWS AC

Recommendations to be resolved as soon as possible.

AAWS AC defends the progress made by the E&T working group and does not accept that this group has performed poorly. This group has only been operating for a limited time due to the general failure to get the AG Dept Education involved more actively. Refute the deduction when reporting to the Minister. E&T group has undertaken very good research.

Need to recognise and state that progress on the AAWS is affected by federal system and failure of states and territories to harmonise legislation.

Sectoral groups needed to be prodded by DAFF. The DAFF Animal Welfare Branch has done a very good job of this.

Not only funding that acts as a barrier to activity and progress.

NCCAW

Report cannot be passed on beyond the committee until express permission is granted by the Minister. None of the sectoral working groups or other groups have received the report.

MO have been very clear about not being circulated beyond the AAWS AC and NCCAW.

DAFF will be seeking permission for a broader release of the report.