The Albanese Labor Government has today announced the appointment of Dr Ashley Bunce as the next Inspector General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports (IGAWLAE).
The Inspector General plays a critical role in ensuring Australia's animal welfare and live export regulatory systems are robust, transparent and fit for purpose.
The Albanese Labor Government takes animal welfare seriously, including for livestock exports.
The previous office of the Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports was expanded in 2023 through amended legislation to include livestock animal welfare export objectives.
Following an open selection process, Dr Bunce has been appointed for a five-year term and will independently review the systems and processes that underpin the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's regulation of livestock exports, including the application of animal welfare standards for exports.
Dr Bunce is an experienced public sector leader who brings extensive expertise across regulatory reform, biosecurity, livestock management, environmental management and industry transformation.
He has led major policy, legislative and operational reforms across animal welfare, biodiversity conservation, waste management, biosecurity, and agricultural research and development, delivering outcomes at both national and international levels.
The Government's commitment to animal welfare is further reinforced through its $5 million commitment to renew the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Julie Collins MP:
"This appointment reflects the Government's focus on maintaining high regulatory standards and building confidence across the livestock supply chain.
"Dr Ashley Bunce brings extensive experience and has worked closely with governments, industry and regulators to deliver consistent, risk-based outcomes.
"His experience leading emergency responses, complex stakeholder negotiations and best practice regulatory functions positions him well to provide strong, independent oversight of animal welfare and live export regulation.
"I congratulate Dr Bunce on his appointment and look forward to working with him into the future."
