Dozens of transport operators are adopting the CoRLink National Animal Welfare Accreditation (NAWA) Scheme ahead of the busy Christmas period.
The NAWA Scheme streamlines legislation, codes of practice and guidelines to create a unified national framework for animal welfare compliance.
The system ensures animal welfare is not just claimed, but actively managed, verified and continuously improved through measurable standards.
This is imperative for the approximately 40 million sheep, cattle and goats which are transported annually around the country, especially as both public and market scrutiny of livestock transport continues to increase.
Livestock, Bulk and Rural Carriers Association (LBRCA) President, Wade Lewis, said animal welfare and road safety for all drivers and road users during the festive period is vital.
“Livestock operators are critical to delivering the protein Australians will enjoy during their festive feasts, as drivers enter the peak season for transport and logistics,” he said.
“NAWA is proud to support small to large operators in delivering a safe, compliant and professional transport industry, helping them build trust across the supply chain and meet the highest animal welfare standards.”
The NAWA Scheme has been widely adopted since its launch in October, with the support of major animal welfare groups and regulatory bodies including RSPCA Australia and Animals’ Angels.
NAWA Chair and Martin Stock Haulage Compliance Manager, Graeme Hoare, said early feedback from operators has highlighted the practical benefits of the NAWA Scheme in everyday operations.
“From what we’re hearing from operators who are already accredited, NAWA is really helping them create a consistent understanding of animal welfare responsibilities across their teams,” he said.
“It’s also giving them clearer processes to make decisions and communicate more effectively during livestock movements.”
According to Hoare, NAWA has replaced guesswork with clarity for many operators.
“It creates certainty around what ‘best practice’ looks like – not just for animal welfare, but for drivers, schedulers, managers and the broader supply chain,” he said.
“Transport operators don’t need more paperwork, they need systems that actually work and deliver value and improved social licence.
“NAWA was built to sit in the cab, the depot, and the board room – not on the shelf.
“Animal welfare is no longer just a moral issue. It’s a commercial, reputational and regulatory one.”
In other news, nominations are now open for the 2026 Endeavour Awards.
