Animal Welfare Groups Welcome Senator Murray Watt as Australia’s New Agriculture Minister
The Australian Alliance for Animals congratulates Senator Murray Watt on his appointment as Australia’s new Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry today.
Alliance for Animals’ Policy Director Dr Jed Goodfellow said Australia’s animal welfare sector was looking forward to working with Minister Watt on improving the nation’s animal welfare record.
“Animal welfare is such an important part of the Agriculture portfolio – millions of Australians care about the way animals are treated and change is long overdue.
“The lack of national leadership on animal welfare over the past decade has impacted Australia’s international reputation, trade and market access, and the welfare of literally hundreds of millions of animals as progress on reviewing national standards ground to a halt under the previous government.
“We’re looking forward to working with Minister Watt on the delivery of Labor’s full suite of animal welfare policy commitments, including:
establishing an Inspector-General for Animal Welfare with $1 million in annual funding
renewing the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy with $5 million in funding over four years, and
phasing out live sheep exports.
“We know Australians will welcome these policies, particularly the end of the cruel live sheep export trade, an outcome that will also create more jobs and value-adding opportunities in Australia.”
National polling conducted by Roy Morgan Research in March found that:
98% of Australians consider animal welfare to be important
94% support laws that ensure animals are provided with a good quality of life
74% support the creation of an independent body to oversee animal welfare
85% support animal welfare laws reflecting community expectations and best-available science.
The Labor Government should also find strong support for animal welfare policies within the new Parliament with 13 of the 16 crossbench members already confirming their support for ending live sheep exports.
NOTES FOR MEDIA
For all media, photo and interview inquiries, please contact Media Advisor Lorna Edwards on 0401 804 171 or email media@allianceforanimals.org.au.
Dr Goodfellow is available for interviews:
Dr Jed Goodfellow leads the Alliance’s law and policy reform agenda. He has over 20 years’ experience in animal welfare law, policy and advocacy. He completed his PhD in animal welfare regulation in 2015.
About the Australian Alliance for Animals
The Australian Alliance for Animals is a national registered charity leading a strategic alliance of Australia’s key animal protection organisations with a combined supporter base of over 2 million people across the country. Learn more by reading our explainer document or visiting our website at www.allianceforanimals.org.au.