Proposed independent observer deployment policy
Submission overview
The Australian Alliance for Animals thanks the Department for the opportunity to comment on the proposed independent observer (IO) deployment policy for live export voyages.
We advocate for IOs on all live export voyages due to inherent risks in transport by sea of livestock. The current rate of IO deployment (only 10% of eligible voyages in 2023) is deeply concerning and inconsistent with providing independent assurance of onboard conditions.
Our submission urges significant tightening of the exception process, which currently undermines the program's integrity when exceptions are granted for 90% of eligible voyages. The success of any revised policy should be measured by increased deployment rates.
This submission is made on behalf of our six core member organisations – Animals Australia, Compassion in World Farming, Humane World for Animals Australia, World Animal Protection Australia, FOUR PAWS Australia, and Voiceless, the animal protection institute – representing over 2 million Australians collectively.
Read our submission
In this submission, the Alliance for Animals calls for mandatory independent observers on all live export voyages and urges tighter controls to ensure proper oversight of animal welfare during sea transport.