A new national accreditation scheme for transporting livestock will reportedly set a new benchmark for animal welfare, traceability and biosecurity.
CoRLink’s National Animal Welfare Accreditation Scheme (NAWA) has created a unified national framework for animal welfare compliance – streamlining and harmonising the legislation, codes of practice and guidelines across all Australian states and territories.
NAWA’s launch focuses on the delivery of a core module designed specifically for transport operators.
Its emphasis on training and competency, chain of responsibility and implementation of an animal welfare management system 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 Chair and Martins Stock Haulage Compliance Manager, Graeme Hoare, said the scheme seeks to elevate animal welfare by bringing consistency, clarity and accountability to the entire supply chain.
“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, sale yards and processors to ensure consistency across the supply chain,” he said.
“Beyond animal welfare, NAWA improves safety outcomes for transport operators and the community, while best practice strengthens credibility, business efficiency and cost-effectiveness.”
According to CoRLink, several major livestock transporters have already signed on for the program which was developed in consultation with regulatory bodies, animal welfare groups, major transport operators, industry leaders and associations.
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.
“NAWA is the critical next step in ensuring that from paddock to plate, animal welfare comes first,” Hoare said.
“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.”
