AVA attends Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) roundtable

In March 2024, Australian and state and territory agriculture ministers committed to jointly leading the renewal of the AAWS, informed by broad stakeholder engagement. The renewed AAWS will be delivered in tranches or ‘chapters’ across six animal groups, with the strategy expected to be finalised by mid-2027.

The roundtable in Canberra on 29 April 2025 marked the formal start of conversations about the first two chapters of AAWS: Livestock and Production Animals, and Aquatic Animals.

The first half of the roundtable provided the opportunity to hear from members of DAFF, the Animal Welfare Task Group and the Strategy Advisory Group about objectives of the AAWS, the principles-based framework for the strategy, achievements to date, and the pathway for chapter development.  The second half of the roundtable provided an opportunity to look at system-level actions from the previous AAWS and provide feedback on their relevance for the renewed AAWS. This was not a decision-making activity, but rather a first point of feedback as the development of the strategy continues.

The National Statement on Animal Welfare underpins the AAWS and provides the context for these conversations. AVA members with an interest in AAWS provided input to the development of this statement in 2024.

Following the roundtable, Chapter development will be achieved through a series of online workshops over the coming months, with more details to be provided soon. Members who have not already indicated an interest in being involved should contact the AVA’s National Manager, Policy and Veterinary Science at melanie.latter@ava.com.au

Further information about the AAWS development process is available here: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/animal/welfare/aaws/the-renewed-aaws