New animal welfare advisory board meets for the first time

Agriculture Minister Leanne Donaldson said the inaugural meeting today of a new Queensland Animal Welfare Advisory Board ushered in a new era for animal welfare in the state.

The Minister addressed the first meeting of the Board, telling members they had a duty to meet changing community expectations on issues related to the care of animals.

“The formation of the new Animal Welfare Advisory Board delivers on an election commitment to strengthen our position on animal welfare in Queensland,” Minister Donaldson said.

“Its members are experts who are able to offer sound and impartial advice to the government on significant issues.

“They have been appointed to give recommendations based on their collective experience and knowledge, acting as individuals rather than as representatives of organisations or industry sectors. 

“The treatment and welfare of animals on farms, homes, in transit, in zoos, tourist attractions and at the point of slaughter is a deeply held concern across Queensland and it is everyone’s responsibility.”

Minister Donaldson said the Palaszczuk Government had repeatedly asserted it would not tolerate cruelty and was committed to provide legislation and standards to meet community expectations and protect the reputation of Queensland’s animal industries.

“Members of the Animal Welfare Advisory Board will consider a broad range of issues and will take into account best practice animal welfare, national and international trends, industry capability, public opinion, scientific knowledge and animal ethics in reaching their conclusions,” the Minister said.

“For our animal industries to thrive in future we must enhance Queensland’s reputation for healthy and humane livestock production.

“Industry needs to be proactive and able to demonstrate that it is following best practice, and all Queenslanders need to do their part in abiding by our animal welfare laws.”

The Board replaces the former Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, and consists of industry leaders across a range of sectors:

• Professor Clive Phillips – University of Queensland (Chair)
• Mr Anthony (Bim) Struss – AgForce
• Dr John Walthall – Australian Veterinary Association
• Mr Gary Sansom – Queensland Farmers Federation
• Mr Mark Townend – RSPCA
• Ms Marion Norrie – Community
• Dr Marie Mangelsdorf – Research & Teaching
• Dr Allison Crook – Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

 Biosecurity Queensland will provide executive support for the board and assistance with research and technical advice.

For more information on the Animal Welfare Advisory Board, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au

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