The Livestock Processing Taskforce, established by the Rockliff Liberal Government, to strengthen animal welfare in Tasmanian abattoirs, has today met for the first time.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jo Palmer, thanked the industry representatives involved and outlined her priorities to the Taskforce.
“Developing a new Tasmanian standard, guidelines and a strategy to achieve strong animal welfare practices is the priority to ensure we meet the expectations of both the Tasmanian livestock processing industry and the community,” Minister Palmer said.
“It is about identifying practical and sensible actions that will make a real difference on the ground.”
The taskforce will also identify issues affecting a strong positive animal welfare and food safety culture, develop a strategic implementation plan and make recommendations for the Minister to consider.
“The Tasmanian Liberal Government will not tolerate any actions that could tarnish Tasmania’s world-class brand,” Minister Palmer said.
“We want the culture of Tasmanian abattoirs to foster good animal welfare practices.
“We are taking immediate action to ensure we see the highest standard of animal welfare across our livestock processing industry.
“The importance of abattoirs for jobs and regional communities cannot be understated, but we must demand the highest standards of animal welfare.”
Taskforce members include representatives from TasFarmers, Dairy Tasmania, SPROUT, livestock Transport, the RPSCA, Biosecurity Tasmania and State Growth. It is being chaired by Felicity Richards, a livestock producer who has a wealth of expertise in governance and is Chair of the Biosecurity Advisory Committee and Farmsafe Tasmania.
The Taskforce will meet fortnightly and be operational for six months, or until the Standard, Guidelines and Strategy are finalised.
