Animal Welfare Groups Welcome Tara Moriarty to the NSW Agriculture Portfolio
The Australian Alliance for Animals has today congratulated The Honourable Tara Moriarty MLC on her appointment as the new Minister for Agriculture in NSW following the successful election of the Minns Labor Government.
Alliance for Animals Policy Director Dr Jed Goodfellow said the animal welfare sector was looking forward to working with Minister Moriarty and the Minns Government on delivering long overdue animal welfare reforms for NSW.
“Animal welfare is such an important part of the Agriculture portfolio – the NSW community cares deeply about the way animals are treated and change is long overdue.
“Unfortunately, NSW holds the unenviable title of the puppy farming capital of Australia, and it has the most outdated animal welfare legislation in the country.
“Thankfully, NSW Labor has recognised this and has committed to bringing the state’s animal welfare laws into line with community expectations.
“We’re looking forward to working with Minister Moriarty on delivering NSW Labor’s full suite of animal welfare policy commitments, which include:
introducing a new animal welfare framework to replace the outdated Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979
establishing an independent Office of Animal Welfare
implementing the national Animal Welfare Standards for Poultry including a phase out of battery cages, and
banning puppy farming
“We know the NSW community will welcome these policies, and we have the data to prove it.
National polling conducted by Roy Morgan Research in March 2022 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.
“It’s time to make NSW a national leader in animal welfare again.”
NOTES FOR MEDIA
For all media, photo and interview inquiries, please contact 0426 025 329 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 charity leading a strategic alliance of Australia’s key animal protection organisations with a combined supporter base of over 2 million people. Core members include Animals Australia, Humane Society International Australia, World Animal Protection Australia, Compassion in World Farming, FOUR PAWS Australia, and Voiceless, the animal protection institute. Website: www.allianceforanimals.org.au