Animal Welfare Advisory Committee


Animal Welfare Advisory Committee

The Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC) is a statutory body established under the Animal Welfare Act 1992 as a Ministerial advisory committee representing community views on animal welfare in the ACT. It delivers high level advice on welfare priorities nationally and in the ACT and oversees the development and review of animal welfare policy.

AWAC’s role is to facilitate the development of a balanced and coordinated approach to animal welfare matters in the ACT and to provide advice to the Minister for City and Government Services on animal welfare issues.

The specific functions of AWAC include:

Current work priorities

Codes of Practice drafting and review:

  • Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs in the ACT
  • Code of Practice for the Welfare of Cats in the ACT
  • Code of Practice for the Welfare of Poultry (Non-Commercial) in the ACT

Membership

AWAC consists of 11 categories made up of nominated appointees from a range of different animal welfare organisations. The current membership is as follows:

Member

Category

Ms Georgina McKenzie

A chair who is not affiliated with an animal welfare or animal user group.

Dr Kyeelee Driver

A person who is an authorised officer under the Animal Welfare Act 1992.

Ms Michelle Robertson

A person nominated by the RSPCA ACT.

Dr Lindsay Hamilton

A person nominated by the Australian Veterinary Association.

Vacant

A person nominated by the ACT Rural Lessees Association.

Dr Justin Clarke

A person, with experience in teaching or research in the field of animal sciences, nominated by –
(i) the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (the CSIRO); or
(ii) an ACT tertiary institution.

Mr Naaman Kranz

A person nominated by a community-based organisation involved in animal welfare, other than the RSPCA ACT.

Ms Yolandi Vermaak

A person nominated by a community-based organisation involved in native wildlife matters.

Vacant

A person nominated by an organisation involved in the commercial use of companion animals.

Vacant

A person nominated by an organisation involved in the recreational or sporting use of animals.

Ms Edana Sinclair A person nominated by the administrative unit with responsibility for the Nature Conservation Act 2014.

Committee meets summaries

The Animal Welfare Advisory Committee meets monthly and at the discretion of the Chair. Summaries of these meetings are available below:

2025 summaries

    Date and Time Meeting summary

    8 August 2025

    1. Welcome and review of attendance

    • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

    2. Potential conflicts of interest

    • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

    3. Governance

    • The Committee noted the finance report, actions register, workplan, code of practice register and risk register.

    4. Animal Welfare Authority update

    • The Committee was provided an update on a meeting with AWAC members and the RLA regarding the sheep and cattle codes and AWAC’s processes.

    5. Codes of practice update

    • The Committee was reminded to seek feedback from their respective agencies regarding the Welfare of Dogs Code of Practice in the ACT prior to the closing date of 22 August.

    6. Other business

    • The Committee discussed drafting a position statement to the Minister regarding the use of soft jaw traps in the ACT. The Committee discussed the proposal of regulation of animals bred or used in research or teaching in the ACT.

    11 July 2025

    1. Welcome and review of attendance

    • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

    2. Potential conflicts of interest

    • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

    3. Governance

    • The Committee noted the finance report, actions register, workplan, code of practice register and risk register.

    4. Animal Welfare Authority update

    • The Committee noted nil Animal Welfare update.

    5. Codes of practice update

    • The Committee agreed to revisit the poultry code in October once other priorities have been addressed. The Committee to meet with the RLA regarding the sheep and cattle codes.

    6. Other business

    • The Committee was briefed on the Thermal Assisted Aerial Control Program. The Committee received an update on Dingo and Wild Dog Policy.

    13 June 2025

    1. Welcome and review of attendance

    • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

    2. Potential conflicts of interest

    • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

    3. Governance

    • The Committee discussed the finance report, actions register, workplan, code of practice register and risk register. The Committee was provided with an update on the 2024-2025 workplan.

    4. Animal Welfare Authority update

    • The Committee noted that Domestic Animal Services has been working with the Community Services Directorate to provide domestic violence resources across ACT Government sites.

    5. Codes of practice update

    • The Committee approved the survey questions for public consultation on the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs in the ACT.

    6. Other business

    • The Committee discussed drafting a letter to the Minister regarding the ACT Government Invasive and Abundant Native Species Control programs.

    9 May 2025

    1. Welcome and review of attendance

    • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

    2. Potential conflicts of interest

    • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

    3. Governance

    • The Committee discussed the finance report, actions register, workplan, code of practice register and risk register. The Chair introduced Dr Lindsay Hamilton (LH) to the Committee as the new Category D member, being a person nominated by the Australian Veterinary Association.

    4. Animal Welfare Authority update

    • The Committee noted nil Animal Welfare update.

    5. Codes of practice update

    • N/A

    6. Other business

    • The Committee discussed inviting a representative from EPSDD to brief AWAC on the aerial culling situation in the ACT. The Committee discussed animals bred or used for research or teaching.

    11 April 2025

    1. Welcome and review of attendance

    • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

    2. Potential conflicts of interest

    • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

    3. Governance

    • The Committee discussed the finance report, actions register, workplan, code of practice register and risk register with the addition of an EDRMS for the committee.

    4. Animal Welfare Authority update

    • The AWA provided an update on AWTG meeting and workplan for 2025

    5. Codes of practice update

    • N/A

    6. Other business

    • The committee discussed the 2025-26 workplan with item additions.

    14 March 2025

    1. Welcome and review of attendance

    • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

    2. Potential conflicts of interest

    • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

    3. Governance

    • The Committee noted the finance report, actions register, workplan, code of practice register and risk register.

    4. Animal Welfare Authority update

    • The Committee noted nil Animal Welfare update.

    5. Codes of practice update

    • N/A

    6. Other business

    • The committee discussed the Charter document and recommended changes. The committee discussed the 2025-26 workplan with item additions. The committee discussed the endorsement of a recommendation to the Minister for City and Government Services.

    14 February 2025

    1. Welcome and review of attendance

    • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

    2. Potential conflicts of interest

    • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

    3. Governance

    • The Committee noted the finance report, actions register, workplan, code of practice register and risk register.

    4. Animal Welfare Authority update

    • The Committee noted nil Animal Welfare update.

    5. Codes of practice update

    • N/A

    6. Other business

    • N/A

    2024 summaries

      Date and Time Meeting summary

      13 December 2024

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • The Chair requested any potential conflicts of interest.

      3. Governance

      • The Committee noted the finance report, actions register, workplan, code of practice register and risk register.

      4. Animal Welfare Authority update

      • The Committee noted nil Animal Welfare update.

      5. Codes of practice update

      • N/A

      6. Other business

      • The Committee was provided an update on the Eastern Grey Kangaroo Management Plan by the Directorate. The Committee was updated on the ACT Horse Racing Levy by the Good Samaritans Member. The Committee discussed resources and assistance available for animals affected by bushfires. This item will be revisited in 2025.

      8 November 2024

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

      3. Governance

      • The Committee noted the finance report, actions register, workplan, code of practice register and risk register.

      4. Animal Welfare Authority update

      • The Committee noted nil Animal Welfare update.

      5. Codes of practice update

      • The Committee discussed the update on the code of practice for the Welfare of Cats in the ACT. The Committee finalisation of feedback for the codes of practice for the Welfare of Sheep and Cattle in the ACT.

      6. Other business

      • N/A

      18 October 2024

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

      3. Governance

      • The Committee noted the finance report, actions register, workplan, code of practice register and risk register.

      4. Animal Welfare Authority update

      • The committee was provided an update from the Animal Welfare Authority of the Animals Grants Program.

      5. Codes of practice update

      • The Committee discussed the update on the code of practice for the Welfare of Dogs in the ACT. They also finalisation of feedback for the codes of practice for the Welfare of Sheep and Cattle in the ACT.

      6. Other business

      • The Committee agreed on the 2025 meeting dates and set the schedule.

      13 September 2024

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

      3. Governance

      • The Committee noted the finance report, actions register, workplan, code of practice register and risk register.

      4. Animal Welfare Authority update

      • The Committee noted nil Animal Welfare update.

      5. Codes of practice update

      • The Committee discussed the Welfare of Poultry (non-commercial) in the ACT draft codes of practice.

      6. Other business

      • The chair noted the circulation of the 2025 meeting dates for agreeance.

      9 August 2024

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present. The chair noted that new members are in as observers only.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

      3. Governance

      • The Committee noted the finance report, actions register, workplan, code of practice register and risk register.

      4. Animal Welfare Authority update

      • The Committee noted the Animal Welfare update.

      5. Codes of practice update

      • The Committee discussed the Welfare of Cattle in the ACT draft codes of practice.

      6. Other business

      • The Committee discussed a position statement that had been drafted regarding pet grooming in Australia.

      12 July 2024

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

      3. Governance

      • The Committee noted the finance report, actions register, workplan, code of practice register and risk register.

      4. Animal Welfare Authority update

      • The Committee noted the Animal Welfare update.

      5. Codes of practice update

      • The Committee discussed the Welfare of Sheep in the ACT draft codes of practice.

      6. Other business

      • The Committee discussed a position statement that had been drafted regarding pet grooming in Australia. Discussion on 1080 Poisons from the Directorate.

      14 June 2024

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The Chair opened the meeting with an Acknowledgement of Country and welcomed all present.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • The chair requested the disclosure of conflicts of interest.

      3. Governance

      • The Committee noted the finance report, actions register, workplan, code of practice register and risk register.

      4. Animal Welfare Authority update

      • The Animal Welfare Authority provided an update on current tasks.

      5. Codes of practice update

      • The Committee welcomed members from Strategic Policy and Planning and discussed what is happening with the review of the veterinary practice legislation review.

      6. Other business

      • The Committee noted the work plan and discussed the progress of the items. The Committee discussed and endorsed the proposed work plan for 2024-25 financial year. The committee was provided an update on the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy with the view to submit by 30 June.

      10 May 2024

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

      3. Governance

      • The Committee noted the finance report and risk register.

      4. Animal Welfare Authority update

      • The Animal Welfare Authority provide an update on the Animal Welfare Strategy.

      5. Codes of practice update

      • The Committee discussed the Welfare of Cats in the ACT and the Welfare of Dogs in the ACT draft codes of practice

      6. Other business

      • Workplan - The Committee noted the workplan and discussed its structure moving forward. Kangaroo Update - The committee discussed the Kangaroo Plan and State of the Environment report.

      8 March 2024

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

      3. Governance

      • The Committee noted the finance report and risk register.

      4. Animal Welfare Authority update

      • The Animal Welfare Authority provide an update on the Animal Welfare Strategy.

      5. Codes of practice update

      • The Committee discussed the Welfare of Dogs in the ACT and the Welfare of Cats in the ACT codes of practice.

      6. Other business

      • N/A

      9 February 2024

      1. Welcome and review of attendance

      • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

      2. Potential conflicts of interest

      • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

      3. Governance

      • The Committee noted the finance report and risk register.

      4. Animal Welfare Authority update

      • The Animal Welfare Authority provide an update on the Animal Welfare Strategy.

      5. Codes of practice update

      • The Committee discussed the draft codes of practice for the Welfare of Poultry (Non-Commercial) in the ACT.

      6. Other business

      • N/A

      2023 summaries

        Date and Time Meeting summary

        3 February 2023

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Governance

        • Members were informed that the Code of Practice for the Private Keeping of Native Reptiles and the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Native Wildlife - Rescue, Rehabilitation and Release came into effect on 01 February 2023.

        4. Animal Welfare Authority update

        • The Animal Welfare Authority provided members with an update.

        5. Codes of practice update

        • The Committee discussed the Welfare of Non-Commercial Poultry codes of practice.

        6. Other business

        • Members accepted the minutes from the previous meeting held on 2 December 2022. Members also discussed priorities for the workload for 2023.

        8 March 2023

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Governance

        • Members discussed requirements of the Risk Register.

        4. Animal Welfare Authority update

        • The Animal Welfare Authority provided members with an update.

        5. Codes of practice update

        • The Committee discussed the Welfare of Non-Commercial Poultry, Welfare of Working Dogs and Welfare of Small Mammals codes of practice.

        6. Other business

        • Members accepted the minutes from the previous meeting held on 3 February 2022. Members discussed priorities for 2023.

        6 April 2023

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Governance

        • Members discussed requirements of the Risk Register.

        4. Animal Welfare Authority update

        • The Animal Welfare Authority provided members with an update.

        5. Codes of practice update

        • The Committee discussed the Welfare of Small Mammals codes of practice.

        6. Other business

        • Members accepted the minutes from the previous meeting held on 3 March 2023. Members also discussed standards and guidelines for Land Transport for Horses.

        5 May 2023

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Governance

        • Members discussed requirements of the Risk Register and administrative matters.

        4. Animal Welfare Authority update

        • N/A

        5. Codes of practice update

        • The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Small Mammals was discussed along with the Poultry and Cats Codes of Practice.

        6. Other business

        • Members discussed priorities for 2023.

        2 June 2023

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Governance

        • Members discussed requirements of the Risk Register and administrative matters.

        4. Animal Welfare Authority update

        • There was an update from the AWA and discussion with members regarding the Animal Welfare Task Group.

        5. Codes of practice update

        • The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Cats was discussed, along with the Code of Practice for (non-commercial) Poultry.

        6. Other business

        • N/A

        14 July 2023

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Governance

        • Members discussed requirements of the Risk Register and administrative matters.

        4. Animal Welfare Authority update

        • There was an update from the AWA and discussion with members regarding the Animal Welfare Task Group.

        5. Codes of practice update

        • The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Cats was discussed.

        6. Other business

        • N/A

        4 August 2023

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Governance

        • Members were informed the four Small Mammals Codes were out for consultation. The Committee also noted the finance report and reviewed a risk category from the risk register.

        4. Animal Welfare Authority update

        • The Committee noted the Animal Welfare update.

        5. Codes of practice update

        • The Committee discussed some potential new codes of practice.

        6. Other business

        • N/A

        1 September 2023

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • One conflict of interest was declared at the beginning of the meeting.

        3. Governance

        • The Committee also noted the finance report and reviewed the Conflict-of-Interest policy.

        4. Animal Welfare Authority update

        • N/A

        5. Codes of practice update

        • The Committee discussed several draft codes of practice.

        6. Other business

        • N/A

        13 October 2023

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Governance

        • The Committee noted the finance report and risk register.

        4. Animal Welfare Authority update

        • N/A

        5. Codes of practice update

        • The Committee discussed several draft codes of practice.

        6. Other business

        • N/A

        3 November 2023

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • Nil conflict of interest disclosed.

        3. Governance

        • The Committee noted the finance report and risk register.

        4. Animal Welfare Authority update

        • N/A

        5. Codes of practice update

        • The Committee discussed several draft codes of practice.

        6. Other business

        • N/A

        1 December 2023

        1. Welcome and review of attendance

        • The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all present.

        2. Potential conflicts of interest

        • 4 conflicts of interest were declared and managed by the Committee.

        3. Governance

        • The Committee noted the finance report and risk register.

        4. Animal Welfare Authority update

        • N/A

        5. Codes of practice update

        • N/A

        6. Other business

        • The Committee discussed several draft codes of practice.

        Codes of practice

        The approval of all codes is subject to a disallowance period by the Legislative Assembly under the Legislation Act 2001.

        Endorsement of the National Sheep and Cattle Codes of Practice

        The Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Sheep and Cattle were endorsed in the ACT as of 23 January 2026.

        These codes provide information and describe minimum standards of care to achieve acceptable animal welfare outcomes for sheep and cattle in the ACT. The minimum standards in the code apply to all those with responsibilities for the care and management of sheep and cattle.

        The Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Sheep and Cattle are national standards which were developed and endorsed in consultation with state and territory governments, livestock industry organisations, and animal welfare groups.

        Contact us

        Secretariat services are provided by the Directorate.

        Email: TCCS_GMSBoards-Committees@act.gov.au

        Acknowledgement of Country

        We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

        To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.