Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

At the outset, can I say that the government does understand—and this is a very important point to be made again—that improved animal welfare is a crucial element of a strong and sustainable agricultural sector. No government has done more to improve animal welfare in this sector than the Gillard government. The government has this week noted a report looking at the possible model of an office of animal welfare. I will now take the opportunity to examine that report, because animal welfare does remain a priority for this government. I recognise that there is work to be done in this area but the primary responsibility for animal welfare issues does remain with the state and territories. There are a range of issues that would have to be explored in furthering any of those proposals. I do not want to go into the detail now but it is clear that this government takes its responsibilities very seriously. (Time expired)