Why we need an Independent Queensland Animal Welfare Authority

Biosecurity Queensland, a service of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) is the government's lead agency for animal welfare activities in Queensland. This department is responsible for developing, monitoring and enforcing animal welfare policy, legislation and standards, and for educating the community about animal welfare.  DAF is also responsible for biosecurity, agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

When a single department is tasked with both overseeing animal welfare and promoting agricultural and fisheries industries, it can result in a real, potential, or perceived conflict of interest. Animal industries, particularly the agricultural sector, has a very significant influence over government, meaning there is a very real risk that the animal welfare laws, and policy development is heavily skewed in favour of industry interests, even if these interests may harm the animals they are supposed to protect.

Establishing an independent regulatory authority for animal welfare can:

• Help ensure impartial decision making
• Enhance transparency and,
• Build public trust in animal welfare enforement

This would move responsibility for oversight of animal welfare in Queensland out of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and into an independent statutory body dedicated to the best interests of animals.

This authority would be established and funded to:

• Ensure compliance, enforcement, and effectiveness of animal welfare laws, with oversight of sectors like greyhound racing, horse racing, agriculture, and medical research. Appointed inspectors from DAF and RSPCA Qld would report to this authority.
• Develop and refine Queensland’s animal welfare legislation, policies and guidelines.
• Create a state-wide animal welfare strategy to identify and prioritise key issues.
• Collaborate with national bodies, states and territories on policy and guideline development to promote national consistency.
• Conduct inquiries, commission research, and produce reports on state animal welfare laws and policies.
• Enhance consistency in animal welfare practices across all industries and sectors.
• Gather and share information on animal welfare issues within Queensland.

RSPCA Qld has endorsed the #FairGoForAnimals Australian Alliance for Animals campaign and together with other key animal protection organisations, we are calling on the State Government to strengthen animal welfare enforcement arrangements by establishing a Queensland Animal Welfare Authority as an independent statutory body under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 with responsibility for administering the Act, and with an appropriate budget allocation to ensure adequate resourcing.