The NSW Government is introducing a Bill to establish NSW’s first independent Office of Animal Welfare, in a bid to strengthen transparency and accountability of the organisations responsible for enforcing animal welfare laws in the state.
The Bill will establish a new statutory Office of Animal Welfare to oversee the performance, and review public funding provided to RSPCA NSW and Animal Welfare League NSW, that is used for enforcement activities and ensure it is used in line with community expectations.
“For the first time, there will be an independent body to review and advise on matters relating to the funding of RSPCA NSW and AWL NSW, which will receive a combined $12.8 million in the 2026-27 financial year from our government,” said Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty.
“The new Office will ensure animal welfare enforcement functions are carried out effectively and consistently to strengthen public confidence in this important service for the community.
“The Minns Government is committed to improving animal welfare standards and this reform will ensure there is clear, independent oversight to support better outcomes for animals and the community.”
The Minister said the new Office of Animal Welfare is part of the Government’s broader reform to modernise the state’s animal welfare laws and ensure effective protections for animals, and will enhance community confidence by:
- Delivering independent advice, reviews and recommendations related to animal welfare and to the organisations entrusted with animal welfare enforcement powers;
- Making recommendations on issues relating to enforcement funding for approved charitable organisations to the NSW Government;
- Receiving, investigating and reporting on complaints from the public relating to enforcement actions by these organisations;
- Promoting best-practice compliance and enforcement across the animal welfare sector through greater coordination, information sharing and performance oversight.
It is proposed the Office will sit within the Premier’s Department portfolio and report to the Minister for Agriculture with responsibility under POCTA.
This Bill delivers the final stage of the Government’s comprehensive reform of animal welfare, to modernise its legal framework, its operations and its oversight.
