17th Nov 2023, 3:21 PM – Senate Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports Amendment (Animal Welfare) Bill 2023 - Second Reading - Establish an Independent Office for Animal Welfare

The majority voted against an amendment to the usual second reading motion, which is "that the bill be read a second time" (parliamentary jargon for agreeing with the main idea of the bill). This means the original motion will remain unchanged. The amendment was introduced by NSW Senator Mehreen Faruqi (Greens).

Motion text

At the end of the motion, add “, but the Senate:

(a) notes that this bill:

(i) barely expands the functions and remit of the existing Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports, and

(ii) is a wasted opportunity to provide transformative improvements in animal welfare; and

(b) calls on the Government to:

(i) recognise that animals are sentient beings that deserve our care and respect,

(ii) recognise that animals have intrinsic value, separate from the needs of humans,

(iii) in this term of Parliament, introduce legislation to specify the end date for the phase-out of live sheep exports within the shortest possible timeframe, and

(iv) establish an Independent Office for Animal Welfare which provides oversight of animal welfare standards to the full extent of the Commonwealth’s power”.