“NAWA is the critical next step in ensuring that from paddock to plate, animal welfare comes first.”
So says National Animal Welfare Accreditation (AWA) Chair and long time Martins Stock Haulage staffer Graeme Hoare of its new scheme designed to harmonise legislation, codes of practice and guidelines across all Australian States and Territories to create a unified national framework for animal welfare compliance.
Hoare says the CoRLink National Animal Welfare Accreditation Scheme was developed in consultation with regulatory bodies, animal welfare groups, major transport operators, and industry leaders and 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 says.
NAWA’s launch focuses on the delivery of a core module designed specifically for transport operators that focuses on training and competency, chain of responsibility, and implementation of an animal welfare management system that 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 to stay within time off water and feed limits.
The module also covers condition of vehicles and facilities for loading/unloading livestock, driver competency, and emergency response.
“NAWA has been developed by industry for industry to make real change, improve animal welfare, and integrate seamlessly with existing and emerging accreditation frameworks used by producers, feedlots, saleyards, and processors to ensure consistency across the supply chain,” Hoare says.
Every year, approximately 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.
“Beyond animal welfare, NAWA improves safety outcomes for transport operators and the community, while best practice strengthens credibility, business efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.”
Once a transport operator is NAWA accredited, accountability is maintained through audits, training, and traceability systems. A digital platform which includes AI has been developed to assist transport operators in their record-keeping, compliance, and business operations.
More information on the scheme can be found here.