Jonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Hansard source

This story was, of course, confronting. Animal welfare and the regulation of the racing industry are the responsibility of the states. Queensland has established an inquiry into the abattoir and the wider treatment of racehorses. The Australian government is investigating alleged animal cruelty at the abattoir, as it's export registered. Agriculture ministers have called on state racing ministers to consider the establishment of a national racehorse register. Ministers also commissioned a review of the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for the land transport of livestock in respect of horses. What can be done appropriately by the Commonwealth is already being done.