The Australian Alliance for Animals congratulates the incoming Albanese Labor Government and all successful candidates in the 2022 Federal election.
Alliance for Animals' Policy Director Dr Jed Goodfellow said he was optimistic the new Australian Parliament would take a kinder and more science-based approach to the treatment of animals.
"This election result is a historic outcome for action on climate change, integrity in politics and gender equality, but it's also a historic outcome for animal welfare. Over the course of the election campaign, the Alliance canvassed the positions of 16 parties and over 120 candidates on key animal welfare policies, including phasing out live sheep exports and establishing a National Commission for Animal Welfare.
"We saw tremendous support for stronger action on animal welfare among the parties and candidates during the election campaign," Dr Goodfellow said.
"Nine out of 10 successfully elected independent candidates contacted by the Alliance supported phasing out live sheep exports, as did 10 of the 16 political parties.
In particular, the Australian Labor Party committed to:
• establishing an Inspector-General for Animal Welfare with $1 million in annual funding
• renewing the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy with $5 million in funding over four years, and
• phasing out live sheep exports.
Dr Goodfellow said it was very pleasing to see the incoming government commit to such policies as Federal Government initiated progress on animal welfare had stagnated over the past decade.
"We know Australians are very keen to see more action on animal welfare so these long overdue policies will be warmly welcomed by the community.
National polling conducted by Roy Morgan Research in March found that:
• 98% of Australians consider animal welfare to be important
• 94% support laws that ensure animals are provided with a good quality of life
• 74% support the creation of an independent body to oversee animal welfare
• 85% support animal welfare laws reflecting community expectations and best-available science.
"The Alliance for Animals looks forward to working with the incoming Albanese Government and the new Australian Parliament on the design and implementation of these policies."
Quotes attributable to Alliance member organisations:
"Humane Society International is looking forward to getting to work with the Albanese Government and new parliament to create an Australia that is kinder to animals. There is much work to do to ensure animal welfare is governed free from the conflicts of interest that perpetuate cruel practices," said Nicola Beynon, Head of Campaigns for Humane Society International.
"We welcome the election outcome, which will see a more diverse and progressive Parliament here in Australia. We look forward to working with the new Parliament to achieve improvements in animal welfare across the country, so we can finally bring our laws in line with community expectations, and global best practice," said Ben Pearson, Country Director for World Animal Protection.
"This election result marks an opportunity for change and positive momentum for animal welfare. Most Australians want a kinder world for animals, and we look forward to working with the new government to improve Australia's global animal welfare standing," said Rebecca Linigen, National Director for FOUR PAWS Australia.
