Submission to the General Review of the Indonesia-Australia CEPA
Submission overview
The Australian Alliance for Animals welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the general review of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IA-CEPA). Representing six leading animal protection organisations and over 2 million Australians, this submission highlights the importance of ensuring international trade agreements reflect strong animal welfare standards and community expectations.
Animal welfare is a key component of sustainable development, with economic, social, and environmental implications. However, the current IA-CEPA does not explicitly recognise animal welfare. This submission outlines a clear opportunity for the Australian Government to address this gap by embedding high-level animal welfare principles, commitments to continuous improvement, and mechanisms for bilateral cooperation within the agreement.
Drawing on precedents from recent agreements with the United Kingdom, European Union, and United Arab Emirates, the Alliance recommends incorporating similar provisions into IA-CEPA. Strengthening these commitments would reinforce Australia’s role as a global leader in animal welfare and ensure trade agreements support improved standards for animals both domestically and internationally.
Read our submission
In this submission, the Alliance for Animals calls on the Australian Government to include animal welfare commitments in IA-CEPA, ensuring trade agreements support continuous improvement and reflect community expectations.