Experts appointed to advise on animal welfare
16 December 2024
Nine experts have been selected for the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC) to provide strategic and specialist advice on animal welfare and related issues in Victoria.
The AWAC is a non-statutory ministerial advisory committee that is appointed by the Minister for Agriculture.
Following a recent competitive recruitment process, 6 new members have been appointed and 3 members have been reappointed. The committee will serve a 3-year term.
Agriculture Victoria Executive Director of Regulatory Policy and Programs and Animal Welfare Victoria Trevor Pisciotta said animal welfare continues to be a priority for the government.
‘This committee will play a pivotal role in advising the minister and government on current and future animal welfare priorities.
‘The newly appointed committee has a great mix of veterinarians, animal scientists and animal advocacy leaders who have a huge breadth of experience in animal welfare, animal husbandry, research, regulation, biosecurity, animal behaviour and agricultural production,’ Dr Pisciotta said.
‘Current priorities include delivering modern fit-for-purpose animal welfare laws and starting research and consultation to develop regulations for new national poultry standards and guidelines,’ he added.
The newly appointed AWAC members are:
- Dr Timothy Dyke – Chairperson since February 2024
- Dr Russell Harrison – Deputy Chairperson and new appointee
- Dr Catherine Ainsworth – reappointed
- Dr Elizabeth Walker – reappointed
- Dr Hugh Millar – new appointee
- Dr Joel Huang – new appointee
- Dr Lauren Hemsworth – new appointee
- Dr Peta Taylor – new appointee
- Dr Ron Glanville – new appointee
- Dr Sally Sherwen – reappointed
For further information visit the Agriculture Victoria website
Media contact: media@deeca.vic.gov.au