Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports

The Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports (IGAWLAE) reviews the performance of functions and exercise of powers by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry in regulating livestock exports under the Export Control Act 2020 and the Export Control (Animals) Rules 2021.

The IGAWLAE review program is independent from internal audit and performance management programs of the department and review reports are publicly available.

About the Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports

 

Current work program

The IGAWLAE's 2026–27 program of work includes the following reviews:

  • Preparation of livestock for export
  • Responses to significant livestock export incidents
  • Review of Australia’s livestock export regulatory framework
  • Review of the effectiveness of ASEL in supporting animal health and welfare outcomes

Read the full work program

Background of the role

The Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports position was established as part of the Australian Government’s response to recommendations of the independent review of the regulatory capability and culture of the department in the regulation of live animal exports.

This review was conducted by Mr Philip Moss AM (September 2018).

In November 2023 the role was amended to the Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports. This role will build upon the existing regulatory oversight to strengthen animal welfare and increase accountability for animal welfare in livestock exports.

Read about the independent review

Updates

Public Submission period is now closed

The public submission period for the Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports current reviews is now closed.

Have Your Say – Review of livestock export regulation

The Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports is reviewing the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s performance in regulating livestock exports.

Inspector General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports seeks your views

The Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports is conducting a review to examine the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Independent Observer (IO) program.

Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports seeks your views

The Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports (IGLAE) is conducting a review to examine the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s approach to stakeholder engagement and response to external enquiries, reports, complaints, and allegations of non-compliance.

Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports review of livestock export licences and approved arrangements

The Inspector-General of Live Animal Exports, Mr Ross Carter, published a review on livestock export licences and approved arrangements on 11 October 2022. The review made 4 recommendations to improve the department’s regulation of export licence applications and approved arrangements.
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