The Minns Labor Government is introducing a Bill to Parliament today to establish NSW's first independent Office of Animal Welfare, delivering on a key election commitment to strengthen transparency and accountability of the organisations responsible for enforcing animal welfare laws in NSW.
The Bill will establish a new statutory Office of Animal Welfare to oversee the performance, and review public funding provided to RSPCA NSW and Animal Welfare League NSW, that is used for enforcement activities and ensure it is used in line with community expectations.
In the 2026-27 Budget, these organisations were allocated $12.8 million in government funding to carry out animal welfare enforcement functions under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (POCTA).
The Office of Animal Welfare is part of the Minns Labor Government's broader reform to modernise the state's animal welfare laws and ensure effective protections for animals, and will enhance community confidence by:
- Delivering independent advice, reviews and recommendations related to animal welfare and to the organisations entrusted with animal welfare enforcement powers
- Making recommendations on issues relating to enforcement funding for approved charitable organisations to the NSW government
- Receiving, investigating and reporting on complaints from the public relating to enforcement actions by these organisations
- Promoting best-practice compliance and enforcement across the animal welfare sector through greater coordination, information sharing and performance oversight.
It is proposed the Office will sit within the Premier's Department portfolio and report to the Minister for Agriculture with responsibility under POCTA.
This Bill delivers the final stage of the Minns Government's comprehensive reform of animal welfare, to modernise its legal framework, its operations and its oversight. At the same time the government has increased annual funding to the RSPCA and Animal Welfare League for enforcement action.
The Minns Government has strengthened animal welfare in NSW by:
- Banned puppy farms, regulated dog breeders and strengthened rules for selling puppies
- Reforms that prevent individuals convicted of serious animal cruelty offences from keeping animals or working with animals
- Increased funding for RSPCA NSW and Animal Welfare League NSW to expand and enhance their animal welfare enforcement activities
- Proposed improved animal welfare regulations and enforcement powers through the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Enforcement and Operational Powers) Bill 2026 - the most comprehensive reform to the state's animal welfare laws in years.
Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, said:
"The establishment of an independent and statutory NSW Office of Animal Welfare delivers on a major commitment of the Minns Labor Government and represents another significant step forward in our modernisation of animal welfare.
"For the first time, there will be an independent body to review and advise on matters relating to the funding of RSPCA NSW and AWL NSW, which will receive a combined $12.8 million in the 2026-27 financial year from our government.
"The new Office will ensure animal welfare enforcement functions are carried out effectively and consistently to strengthen public confidence in this important service for the community.
"The Minns Government is committed to improving animal welfare standards and this reform will ensure there is clear, independent oversight to support better outcomes for animals and the community."
