Tasmanian Livestock Processing Taskforce

The Livestock Processing Taskforce (the Taskforce) was established in 2023 in response to identified animal welfare concerns in several Tasmanian commercial processing facilities (abattoirs and knackeries).

​The purpose of the Tasmanian Livestock Processing Taskforce was to develop a standards, guidelines and strategy to ensure an enduring animal welfare culture at Tasmania's livestock processing facilities (abattoirs and knackeries).

The Taskforce has been meeting fortnightly, and has produced a Final Report and developed new Animal Welfare Guidelines for livestock processing in Tasmania. A Strategic Implementation Plan for the Guidelines has also been produced:

 Final report of the Tasmanian Livestock Processing Taskforce (PDF 244Kb)

 Animal Welfare Guidelines - Handling of Animals at Tasmanian Livestock Processing Premises (PDF 1Mb)

 Animal Welfare Guidelines - Strategic Implementation Plan (PDF 223Kb)

The Tasmanian Governement has carefully considered the Taskforce’s recommendations as outlined in the Final Report, and has officially responded to each in the Tasmanian Government Response:

 Tasmanian Government Response to the final report of the Tasmanian Livestock Processing Taskforce (PDF 245Kb)

​Video surveillance in abattoirs​

Tasmanian abattoirs are required to install video surveillance to monitor work practices. This requirement is based on recommendations by the Tasmanian Livestock Processing Taskforce.

Guidelines on the installation and management of video surveillance are available:

 Video Monitoring System in Livestock Processing Operations - Checklist (PDF 119Kb)

 Video Monitoring System Guidelines in Abattoirs and Knackeries (PDF 201Kb)

​​​About the Tasma​nian Livestock Processing Taskforce

​Taskforce members include representatives from:

  • TasFarmers (formerly Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers)

  • Dairy Tasmania

  • Sprout Tasmania

  • Livestock Transport Industry

  • RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

  • Australian Meat Industry Council

  • The Department of State Growth

  • Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (Biosecurity Tasmania)

​The Taskforce is chaired by Felicity Richards, a livestock producer with expertise in governance and is the current Chair of the Biosecurity Advisory Committee and Farmsafe Tasmania.​

 Terms of Reference for the Tasmanian Livestock Processing Taskforce (PDF 64Kb)

​Update on progress - May 2024

Progress of the Tasmania Livestock Processing Taskforce and the Government Report on Strengthening Animal Welfare in Livestock Processing was released on 15 May 2024.

 Government Report - Notice of Motion Livestock Processing (PDF 173Kb)

 Government Report on strengthening animal welfare in livestock processing (PDF 97Kb)

 Interim report of the Taskforce (PDF 467Kb)

Contact

Biosecurity Tasmania