Scorecards Reveal Where Candidates Stand on Animal Welfare
The Australian Alliance for Animals has today released a series of scorecards detailing where major parties and political candidates stand on four key animal welfare policies.
A total of 17 parties and over 120 candidates were contacted for their positions on:
phasing out live sheep exports within three years
establishing a national Animal Welfare Commission to oversee the development of national animal welfare standards
creating a Ministry for Animal Welfare to elevate the importance of animal welfare within government and
setting up a national Animal Welfare Fund to invest in public and private initiatives that improve animal welfare outcomes.
The respective positions have been summarised in one national and 20 electorate-specific scorecards, including the key seats of Wentworth, Kooyong, Mackellar, Goldstein, North Sydney, Corangamite, Curtin and more.
Alliance for Animals’ Policy Director Dr Jed Goodfellow said it was time to put animal welfare on the political map during this election.
“We’ve heard a lot about climate action, integrity in government, health and education this election campaign, but millions of Australians care about animal welfare too, so it’s important they know where their local candidates stand on these issues,
“Together with our core member organisations, we’ll be ensuring these scorecards are circulated far and wide so that as many Australians see them as possible,
“Political parties and candidates shouldn’t underestimate the level of concern for animals in the Australian community.
National polling conducted by Roy Morgan Research in March found that:
98% of Australians consider animal welfare to be important
94% support laws that ensure animals are provided with a good quality of life
97% support laws that ensure animals are protected from cruel treatment
80% support government doing more to protect animal welfare
82% support a national government fund to help farmers improve animal welfare practices
74% support the creation of an independent body to oversee animal welfare
85% support animal welfare laws reflecting community expectations and best-available science.
Dr Goodfellow said it was positive to see both the level of support from the community for more action on animal welfare and the high rate of supportive responses from candidates and parties.
The scorecards and further background information are available at: http://www.allianceforanimals.org.au/federal-election-2022
The scorecards have been prepared to raise awareness of the interests of animals and prevent animal suffering by summarising the position of political parties and candidates on the key animal welfare policy issues relevant to the charitable purposes of the Australian Alliance for Animals. The Alliance does not promote or oppose political parties or direct people how to vote.
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NOTES FOR MEDIA
For all media, photo and interview inquiries, please contact Media Advisor Lorna Edwards on 0401 804 171 or email media@allianceforanimals.org.au.
Dr Goodfellow is available for interviews:
Dr Jed Goodfellow leads the Alliance’s law and policy reform agenda. He has over 20 years’ experience in animal welfare law, policy and advocacy. He completed his PhD in animal welfare regulation in 2015.
About the Australian Alliance for Animals
The Australian Alliance for Animals is a national registered charity leading a strategic alliance of Australia’s key animal protection organisations with a combined supporter base of over 2 million people. Website: www.allianceforanimals.org.au
