Independent observer reports

Independent observers (observers) provide detailed reports based on their observations from a voyage. It covers loading of the vessel to completion of discharge at the final port.

Observer reports provide us with information to assist with effective regulation of the livestock export trade.

We carefully review all observer reports. We identify any issues that require regulatory action. If we find significant concerns, we require the exporter to take corrective actions.

We apply a rigorous quality assurance process to each observer report. As part of this process, we prepare a redacted copy of the report for the exporter.

We publish a summary of the observer’s key observations on our website. This provides transparency of voyage activities and animal welfare outcomes. Where possible, the observer approves the summary report prior to its publication. This is to ensure it is an accurate account of what they observed during the voyage.

We have also provided guidance around categories of issues or non-compliances commonly identified by observers.

Previous observer reports

We allocate report numbers at the time we assign an observer to a voyage. Changes in circumstances may result in the observer not being deployed on the voyage.

You can assess reports from 2019 onwards on this page. To access reports completed before 2019 see the National Library of Australia’s Trove archive.

Discretion advised: These reports contain images which may be distressing to some viewers.