The CoRLink National Animal Welfare Accreditation Scheme streamlines and harmonises the legislation, codes of practice, and guidelines across Australia, creating a unified national framework for animal welfare compliance.
Major livestock transporters have already signed on for the program.
NAWA chair Graeme Hoare said it seeks to elevate animal welfare by bringing consistency, clarity, and accountability for everyone along the supply chain.
“It also builds consumer and community confidence in the ethical treatment of livestock throughout the transport process and provides assurance to domestic and international markets on Australian livestock transport practices,” he said.
NAWA’s launch focuses on the delivery of a core module designed specifically for transport operators.
Its emphasis on training and competency, chain of responsibility, and implementation of an animal welfare management system seeks to embed an ‘animal welfare first’ culture across transport operators and the rest of the supply chain.
Animal-specific requirements include ensuring animals are fit for the intended journey, penned appropriately, and monitored during transport, as well as low-stress handling and journey management.
The module also covers condition of vehicles and facilities for loading/unloading livestock, driver competency and emergency response.
Every year, about 40 million sheep, cattle, and goats are transported in Australia, in addition to the sector supporting a workforce of more than 400,000 Australians directly and indirectly, including many in transport and logistics roles.
For more information and to apply for accreditation, head to corlink.com.au/nawa
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