The business case for a National Animal Welfare Commission
Ten years after the Productivity Commission first recommended establishing a National Animal Welfare Commission, new independent economic analysis has found the reform would not only improve Australia's animal welfare system but also save governments millions of dollars.
A new business case by Frontier Economics finds that establishing a National Animal Welfare Commission would generate around $3.5 million in annual savings across Commonwealth and state governments by reducing duplication, streamlining regulatory processes and creating a more efficient national approach to developing animal welfare policy.
Good animal welfare policy should be evidence-based, nationally coordinated, and economically responsible.
Key findings from the analysis:
Australia's current system is no longer fit for purpose
Australia's current animal welfare system is fragmented, slow and increasingly unable to deliver timely, nationally consistent reform.
A National Commission would make government more efficient
Through economies of learning and specialisation, a national Animal Welfare Commission would deliver material efficiencies in the development of national standards, saving governments and taxpayers an estimated $3.5 million every year.
Better outcomes for animals
By removing longstanding bottlenecks, accelerating evidence-based reform and improving national coordination, the Commission would support continuous improvements in animal welfare outcomes for millions of animals across Australia.
Read the full business case analysis
Watch the webinar
In the webinar, Alexandra Cifuentes and Sophia Koller from Frontier Economics presented the findings of their analysis, and Dr Jed Goodfellow provided further context on the reform, its significance, and the next steps.
Funding
This report was made possible with the generous support of the following individuals and organisations.
Angela Martin
Monika Janinski
We dedicate this report to Monika’s memory.
