Standards and Performance Benchmarking the Live Export Industry

Summary

In 2006, the Livestock Export Program conducted a benchmarking project comparing Australia's livestock export standards with those of other countries. The major conclusion from this report was that there were no formal systems in place in other countries and therefore nothing significant could be identified to improve the current Australian standards. In 2014 the operating environment is different and the Australian livestock export industry is continually under pressure to demonstrate that it has developed systems for delivering acceptable animal welfare outcomes in the handling and management of animals from leaving Australia through to slaughter in destination markets.  It is likely that much has changed internationally in terms of animal welfare standard and guideline implementation and it was timely to undertake a review and update our current knowledge to improve or support the existing Australian framework.
The livestock export industry in Australia is operating in a new regulatory environment, governed by the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) which includes overseas elements of the livestock export chain, from disembarkation to the point of slaughter. ESCAS places responsibility on Australian exporters to maintain livestock traceability and control and to ensure measurable animal welfare outcomes are delivered in-market. In addition, the industry continues to make significant investments in infrastructure, animal welfare and education, training and technical support in destination markets. However, there is a dearth of knowledge surrounding the regulatory and/or quality assurance environment under which other countries operate. This project has determined whether the proliferation of global animal welfare standards has resulted in systems that produce improved welfare provisions, outcomes and response to industry challenges. This type of information may be implemented in the Australian industry, allowing it to retain its position as a global leader in livestock export, demonstrate continuous improvement and build confidence with stakeholders and the community.