Where do the Federal Election candidates stand on animal welfare?
With the Federal Election fast approaching, find out how to make your vote count for Australian animals.
It is critical that the candidates hear from voters about animal welfare issues. This Election provides us with an opportunity to really put animal welfare on the agenda.
Image credit: Animals Uncovered
World Animal Protection surveyed all parties and independents who currently hold a seat in the House of Representatives, and who are re-contesting the upcoming Election. We asked for their positions on key animal welfare issues including:
- A ban on live exports for sheep and cattle
- The creation of a dedicated Ministerial portfolio for animal welfare, and an Independent Office of Animal Welfare (IOAW)
- The reintroduction of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS)
- A national monitoring and reporting program for antibiotic use in farming
- A ban on using antibiotics in farming for growth promotion or disease prevention.
For each issue listed, parties who were supportive have been given a green ranking. Those who were partially supportive have an orange ranking. Those who either did not support the position, or who provided no information in response to the survey, or on their website, have a red ranking. The scope of this survey means that not all candidates were approached. If you want to know where a Senate candidate stands on animal welfare, we encourage you to contact them directly. Likewise, if you have a local candidate standing who is not on this list, please reach out to them to find out more about their position.
It is critical that the candidates hear from voters about animal welfare issues. This Election provides us with an opportunity to really put animal welfare on the agenda.
Australia is lagging behind many other countries when it comes to animal welfare. Australia still sends thousands of sheep and cows overseas each year on cruel live export ships. Australia continues to keep millions of hens confined to cruel battery cages, while a national review of hen welfare drags on into its seventh year. Australia also allows the agriculture industry to keep the public in the dark on how antibiotics are used in farming.
Our current system has failed Australian animals, and it is time for a change. That’s why your vote matters. Be sure to review where the candidates stand and share this information with others. Take a copy of this scorecard with you when you vote on May 21. Together, we can use this Election to help ensure millions of Australian animals have good lives.
Authorised by Ben Pearson, for World Animal Protection
