Consultation: NSW Inquiry into licenses to harm native animals

The AVA is preparing a submission to the NSW Inquiry into licenses to harm native animals, and we are seeking AVA Member feedback to help inform our submission.

Inquiry Terms of Reference:

1. That the Animal Welfare Committee inquire into and report on licences to harm native animals in New South Wales, and in particular:

        (a) the species and number of animals affected by licences to harm native animals

        (b) the welfare impacts of lethal control methods prescribed under licences to harm native animals, including consideration of whether current requirements adequately safeguard animal welfare and species identification

        (c) the extent to which orphaned young are affected by licences to harm native animals and how these impacts are tracked or mitigated

        (d) the adequacy of current assessment processes used when granting licences to harm 

        (e) the level of public transparency and accountability associated with licensing decisions, including data availability and reasons for approval and rejection of applications

        (f) the extent of NSW Government support for research, trials, and adoption of alternative wildlife management strategies

        (g) the extent to which First Nations communities and Traditional Owners are consulted prior to the issuing of licences to harm native wildlife, and how cultural values and responsibilities are incorporated into decision-making, and

        (h) any other related matters 

AVA Policies of Interest:
The AVA have the following relevant policies, and we’ll be including these in our representations:

        - Hunting

        -Waterfowl hunting

        - Control of native and introduced animals causing damage to agriculture or habitat

        - Harvesting and culling of native fauna

        - Kangaroo and wallaby population control

How to Get Involved:
Please consider the Inquiry’s Terms of Reference and provide your feedback to AVA Senior Advocacy Officer, Liz Gemes at Liz.Gemes@ava.com.au by Wednesday, 3 December 2025.

A collective AVA submission carries weight, but individual submissions from veterinarians further reinforce our key messages and demonstrate widespread industry support. To maximise impact, we encourage members to contribute to AVA representations and provide individual feedback. Engaging in both strengthens the profession’s influence. You can make your own individual submission by the 19 December here.  

Use of AI in Consultation Feedback:

The AVA greatly values the veterinary expertise and real-world experience you bring to our consultations, as these insights are essential to ensuring our representations are accurate, credible and grounded in practical knowledge. While AI tools can be helpful, we’ve seen examples of incorrect AI references and misquotations. If you use AI when preparing your feedback, please verify the accuracy of the information and indicate that AI was used.