Animal Welfare Advisory Committee

Amanda raised serious concerns in Parliament about the Government’s failure to maintain an independent Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. Once an important body providing expert advice under the Animal Welfare Act, the committee’s members have now expired from their terms — leaving a dangerous gap in independent oversight.

Amanda asked the Minister to explain who is currently advising on animal welfare, and whether the Government will commit to creating a new, transparent and statutory council with real authority to act. While the Minister confirmed that a new advisory body will be legislated “in this term of government,” the absence of an active committee right now leaves animals vulnerable.

Amanda made it clear: protecting animal welfare cannot wait for political timelines. Independent oversight must be restored urgently, before more animals suffer in silence.