A designated Minister for animals is long overdue. Animals deserve their own minister and establishing a ministerial portfolio would elevate animal protection issues.
Why a Minister for animals and what would they do?
- The Minister would be responsible for the proper administration and enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and joint responsibility for the protection of native wildlife under the Biodiversity Conservation Act.
- The Minister would act on advice and recommendations from the Independent Office of Animal Protection and the Independent Commissioner for Wildlife.
- The Minister would be responsible for securing funding to advance animal protection and welfare.
- The Minister would be required to table an annual report to parliament detailing the improvements in animal welfare outcomes for farmed and native animals.
- Making the position a cabinet appointment would increase the awareness of the importance of animal protection in parliament and society more broadly.