The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) has welcomed a review into its capability, powers and culture ordered by its Minister, David Littleproud.
The Department said in a statement that the recent release of footage alleging that expected animal welfare standards were not being met on some live export voyages was being taken very seriously.
It said it was working to ensure that the welfare of exported animals was protected to the full extent of the law.
“The standards for the export of livestock are very clear in requiring exporters to ensure the health and welfare of animals in their care at every stage of the export chain,” the Department said.
“This includes a requirement to have an accredited veterinarian and an accredited stockman on board who are responsible for managing and reporting on the health and welfare of animals on the voyage.”
It said the expertise of the individuals was critical in assessing and ensuring animal health and welfare.
“In regulating the live sheep trade, the Department has used above two per cent mortality rates in consignments as the trigger for initiating a review,” it said.
The purpose of that review would be to establish whether there were problems in the preparation, selection or management of the consignment prior to export, or if disease or other factors caused high mortalities during the voyage.
Mr Littleproud ordered his review saying that a report he had received from the Department did not accurately reflect the conditions seen in the vision on the ship.
He said the review would cover the possibility of a telephone number to allow whistleblowers to anonymously call and provide information.
“We need to make sure the regulator has the right tools, training and culture to make sure exporters do the right thing,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This requires prosecutions and heavy penalties where breaches occur,” he said.
