The second round of consultation on the renewal of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) is closed.
What we heard
A summary of the stakeholder feedback received through the 2025 consultation process is available here:
Australian Animal Welfare Strategy: consultation summary 2025 (PDF 600 KB) (Word 746 KB)
How you had your say
The second round of consultation included the release of a Have Your Say survey, which was open for input from 17 March 2025 to 14 April 2025.
We sought your feedback on whether the actions identified under the previous AAWS remain important for a renewed, modern and future-focused AAWS.
As part of consultation during 2025, we also held a stakeholder roundtable, workshops and interviews with a broad range of stakeholders from across Australia’s animal welfare system. The department also conducted a series of culturally appropriate First Nations stakeholder engagements.
The roundtable, workshops and interviews sought input on the renewal of the AAWS, including the livestock and production, and aquatic animal group chapters which are currently under development. The AAWS will continue to be developed in chapters from 2025 to 2027. Read more about the 6 animal groups.
Who engaged
Stakeholders from across Australia’s animal welfare system provided input throughout the consultation process, including:
government
animal industries
animal handlers
non-government representative organisations
veterinarians
research bodies
First Nations organisations
members of the public.
Next steps
Your views are helping to shape the renewed AAWS. Following the workshops in mid-2025, the department received feedback seeking a change of approach in the way we consult and develop chapters. In response, the department has adjusted its consultation processes. We are transitioning to a more direct consultation process and will now be releasing draft material for review and comment by key stakeholders.
The AAWS will be released in tranches by chapter as they are developed, with the strategy expected to be finalised in 2027.
To stay informed on the renewal of the AAWS, including future engagement opportunities, subscribe to the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy newsletter or visit our website.