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Department of Agriculture

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  • Animal welfare
    • Animal welfare in Australia
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Renewal of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy

The Australian Government has committed $5 million over 4 years (2023-2027) to the renewal of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS).

A renewed AAWS will provide a framework for a national approach to animal welfare and bring key stakeholders together on animal welfare issues of national significance.

The previous strategy lapsed in 2014. The renewal of the AAWS establishes Australia’s commitment to modern, sustainable, evidence and science-based welfare practice.

The development of the renewed AAWS will be jointly led by the Australian, and state and territory governments, built on a principles-based framework, and informed by engagement and feedback received during consultation. The AAWS is expected to be finalised in 2027.

Keep up to date with the latest news on the renewal of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy.

Subscribe  to receive the first edition of The AAWS Connection.

Explore the strategy

National Statement on Animal Welfare

The National Statement on Animal Welfare and case studies showcasing positive and sustainable animal welfare outcomes.

The renewed AAWS

Learn more about what we are delivering and why it's important for animal welfare in Australia.

Roadmap toward renewal

Learn more about how we plan to develop the strategy.

Get involved

Learn more about what we’ve heard from consultation so far and how to stay involved.

Governance

Our governance and reporting structures.

AAWS News

Stay up to date on news about the renewal of the AAWS.

Explore the AAWS artwork

Cowal Makiya

The Australian Government commissioned artwork for the renewal of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS), titled Cowal Makiya, the Mayi-Yapi word for “today’s land”.

Cowal Makiya was created by artist Leah Cummins, a proud Mayi woman from North-Western Queensland.

This vibrant piece showcases the six animal group chapters in the AAWS, highlights cultural connections to animals and promotes respect for traditional knowledge.

Mayi-Yapi is a language of the Mayi Nations of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Artwork story

This artwork is inspired by the Australian environment, ever-changing landscape and animals. In the centre are the innovations and technologies used for centuries to hunt and protect the environment; the footprints represent the animals that make Australia unique.

From the land to the waterways, the lasting connections to the animals and environment where the research and information is gathered is a journey into the future learnings of how to make the Australian agricultural future stronger.

The resilience of the animals that exist from the lands, to the animals introduced, all play a vital role in keeping this country prospering.

Australian Animal Welfare First Nations artwork titled ‘Cowal Makiya’ by Leah Cummins / Bunya Designs for Saltwater People 2024
© Bunya Designs and Saltwater People. Cowal Makiya, 2024

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Page last updated: 19 March 2025

We acknowledge the continuous connection of First Nations Traditional Owners and Custodians to the lands, seas and waters of Australia. We recognise their care for and cultivation of Country. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and recognise their knowledge and contribution to the productivity, innovation and sustainability of Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.

Artwork: Protecting our Country, Growing our Future
© Amy Allerton, contemporary Aboriginal Artist of the Gumbaynggirr, Bundjalung and Gamilaroi nations.

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