SYDNEY (October 30, 2026)-Humane World for Animals Australia says a Bill to establish the state's first Office of Animal Welfare tabled in New South Wales Parliament lacks the independence needed to deliver meaningful animal protections due to a lack of autonomy and independent expertise.
Under the proposed legislation, key functions of the office, including reviewing and advising on animal welfare matters, can only be exercised at the written request of the Minister for Agriculture. It also removes the statutory requirement to consult the existing Animal Welfare Advisory Council, made up of independent experts in animal welfare and veterinary science, on regulations incorporating animal welfare guidelines.
While the Bill ostensibly delivers on a key election commitment of the Labor Government to establish an Office of Animal Welfare, Humane World for Animals Australia's Campaigns Director Nicola Beynon says that unless amendments are made, it fails to do so meaningfully.
"This is not the independent office the Government promised at the state election," said Ms Beynon. "Ministerial control over what should be an independent office risks making this body a toothless tiger".
"A truly independent Office of Animal Welfare has the potential to bring greater transparency, accountability and expertise to animal welfare policy, while ensuring animals are appropriately considered alongside other government priorities. If this Office is subjected to the control and direction of the Minister for Agriculture, it will likely just lock in the status quo delivering no meaningful progress for animals in Australia. Whereas, deleting the role of the existing Animal Welfare Advisory Council would see the Minns Government taking a backward step for independent advice on animal welfare".
A survey by Behaviour Works and Monash University conducted for the Alliance for Animals, of which Humane World for Animals Australia is a member, found that more than three-quarters of Australians (77%) agree that the final say on animal welfare policy decisions should be made by an independent and impartial authority.
"The majority of Australians have made it clear that they want improved governance structures that will ensure all areas of government are held accountable in considering the welfare of animals when spending taxpayer dollars," said Ms Beynon. "The independence of this Office, informed by independent expertise, is crucial in achieving that as it's remit cuts across portfolios from companion animals, animals in racing, animals in scientific research and testing, marine and terrestrial wildlife, as well as animals in agriculture.
"We encourage the Government and Parliament to strengthen the Bill so the Office can become the credible and independent voice for animals that New South Wales has long needed."
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About Humane World for Animals
Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work happening in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals-formerly called Humane Society International-addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering. As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruelest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world. humaneworld.org
