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Department of Agriculture

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  6. Live Animal Export Advisory Notices
  7. 2023-9

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2023-9: Proposed commencement of routine audits of Accredited Veterinarians (AAV)

30 June 2023

Species: All

Countries: All

Attention

  • Accredited Veterinarians (AAVs)
  • Livestock Exporters

Purpose

To inform AAVs about the planned commencement of routine AAV auditing by the department.

Key points

  • Routine auditing of AAVs by the department is planned to commence in the second half of 2023
  • The department currently performs audits of AAVs from time to time and is looking to implement an ongoing schedule
  • No action is required by AAVs currently – this EAN is to notify you in advance of this change
  • Routine audits will improve our overall assurance of livestock exports and complement other regulatory activities outlined in The Compliance Statement for the Export of Livestock.
  • Each audit will assess the AAV’s compliance in meeting the livestock export regulations and an exporter’s Approved Export Program (AEP)
  • In developing the audit program, consideration has been given to:
    • consistency with the department’s Compliance Statement for the Export of Livestock.
    • minimising cost impacts incurred by AAVs
    • preventing duplication of auditing documents which are already reviewed as part of exporter approved arrangements and the export certification process (unless issues are identified)
  • As we get closer to commencing the audits, further information will be available on the Accredited Veterinarians (AAV) webpage.

Selection of AAVs for auditing

  • Not all AAV’s will be audited each year
  • AAV’s will be selected for audit based on an assessment of a number of factors, such as:
    • number of consignments prepared in the last 12 months
    • class and species of livestock where health and welfare risks have been noted
    • markets with complex importing country requirements
  • We estimate that the department will undertake approximately six desk-top audits from July 2023 to July 2024. Following this period we will assess the program for consideration on future routine audit scheduling.
  • We may also audit an AAV in accordance with our legislation in response to identified issues or other incidents as appropriate and in line with our Compliance Statement for the Export of Livestock.

Support available for AAVs

  • The department is planning several resources for AAVs in the lead-up to the implementation of this auditing program, including:
    • updating the department’s website
    • ongoing consultation and engagement with relevant working groups and the monthly industry teleconference.
  • AAV’s with questions on the audit process or regulatory requirements can also contact the department on (02) 6272 4581. You can also email us at laepolicy@aff.gov.au.

Cost of the audit

  • The department recovers the cost of delivering export regulatory services, including audits. AAVs who are audited will be charged directly for the cost of undertaking that audit.
  • Fees for live animal export activities are published in the Cost Recovery Implementation Statement: Live Animal Exports 2022 23.
  • Fees will include pre-audit activities, the audit, and post-audit activities (such as finalising the report)
  • From 1 July 2023, the charge for AAV audits will be:
    • $62 per 15 minutes or part thereof for routine audits
    • $106 per 15 minutes or part thereof for specialised audits, if required.
  • See for departments charging guidelines for further details.
  • In designing the proposed audit program, the department has sought to minimise cost impacts as much as practical.

Background

AAVs have an essential role in ensuring the health and welfare of livestock during the export process.

The AAV auditing program is part of a larger program of work known as the ‘Strengthening the Auditing and Assurance of AAVs’, which the Live Animal Exports Roundtable Working Group developed.

This work has also been informed by recent independent reviews, including those undertaken by the Inspector General of Live Animal Exports (IGLAE) in 2020 and 2021 and the Moss Review in 2018.

Jess Rummery
Director
Live Animal Export Branch
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Jess Bowers
Contact officer
Phone (02) 6272 4581.
Email laepolicy@aff.gov.au

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

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Page last updated: 06 July 2023

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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