Export Control (Animals) Amendment (Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock) Order 2020

Administered by Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Legislation au F2020L00689 Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Export Control Act 1982

Export Control (Orders) Regulations 1982

Export Control (Animals) Amendment (Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock) Order 2020

Legislative Authority

 

This instrument is made under regulation 3 of the Export Control (Orders) Regulations 1982 (the Regulations).

 

Subsection 25(1) of the Export Control Act 1982 (the Act) provides that the Governor-General may makes regulations, not inconsistent with the Act, prescribing matters required or permitted by the Act or necessary or convenient to be prescribed for the carrying out or giving effect to the Act.

 

Paragraph 25(2)(g) of the Act provides that the Governor-General may make regulations empowering the Minister to make orders, not inconsistent with the regulations, with respect to any matter for or in relation to which provision may be made by the regulations.

 

Under regulation 3 of the Export Control (Orders) Regulations 1982 (the Regulations), the Minister may make orders, not inconsistent with regulations made under the Act.

 

Under subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 (Interpretation Act), where an Act confers a power to make, grant or issue any instrument of a legislative or administrative character (including rules, regulations or by-laws), the power shall be construed as including a power exercisable in the like manner and subject to the like conditions (if any) to repeal, rescind, revoke, amend, or vary any such instrument. Subsection 33(3) of the Interpretation Act applies to the Regulations by operation of paragraph 13(1)(a) of the Legislation Act 2003.

 

Purpose

 

The purpose of the Export Control (Animals) Amendment (Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock) Order 2020 is to amend Export Control (Animals) Order 2004 (the Order) to replace the definition of Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL). The new definition is the standards that section 3 of the Australian Meat and Live-stock Industry (Standards) Order 2005 requires the holder of a live-stock export licence to export live-stock in accordance with.

 

This new definition picks up amendments that will be made to section 3 of the Australian Meat and Live-stock Industry (Standards) Order 2005 by the Australian Meat and Live-stock Industry Legislation Amendment (Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock) Order 2020. As a result, the definition of ASEL in the Order will be consistent with the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock Version 3.0 from 1 November 2020. This will allow the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to implement the new standards, ensuring that the holder of a livestock export licence cannot export livestock except in accordance with the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 3.0) from 1 November 2020.

 

The Amendment Order also repeals paragraph 1A.10(1)(f) of the Order. Paragraph 1A.10(1)(f) gives the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment the power to request that a live animal exporter vary its approved arrangement with the department if that arrangement is not meeting the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock. Paragraph 1A.10(1)(f) is superfluous, as the Secretary can request a variation of an approved arrangement to ensure compliance with the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock under paragraph 1A.10(b).

 

Background

 

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has updated the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) to the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 3.0) from the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 2.3) 2011.

 

The ASEL sets requirements to ensure animals are fit to export from Australia, and their health and welfare is managed throughout the export supply chain. The current standards, version 2.3, have been in place since 2011.

 

The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment appointed a Technical Advisory Committee to review ASEL, which included an independent chair, experts in animal health and welfare, regulatory design, and the livestock industry. The purpose of the review was to ensure the standards remained fit-for-purpose and reflected the latest science. The review was finalised in 2019.

 

The Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 3.0) incorporates recommendations made by the Technical Advisory Committee and feedback from stakeholders. The recommendations address different parts of the standards; from sourcing and preparation, through to on-board management of livestock and reporting. Key recommendations for livestock exports by sea include: an allometric approach to stocking densities with more space required for most live export voyages. Key recommendations for livestock exports by air include: more detailed welfare monitoring and reporting and management plans for classes of livestock that require specialised care.

 

Impact and Effect 

 

The effect of the Amendment Order is to amend the definition of ASEL so that, from 1 November 2020, the Order will refer to the standards that section 3 of the Australian Meat and Live-stock Industry (Standards) Order 2005 requires the holder of a live-stock export licence to export live-stock in accordance with. This will mean that, from 1 November, exporters will be required to comply with the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 3.0).

 

ASEL Version 2.3 and Version 3.0 can be viewed on the department’s website free of charge (http://www.agriculture.gov.au).

 

Consultation

 

ASEL 3.0 has been developed based on the recommendations made by an independent review process undertaken by the Technical Advisory Committee. As part of the review, the committee considered scientific literature, advice from a Stakeholder Reference Group, submissions provided through five rounds of public consultation, reports from independent observers on recent voyages, and other relevant information.

 

The department also sought feedback in 2019 on the format of ASEL from a wide range of ASEL users. Feedback from this process also informed the development of ASEL 3.0.

 

Additional information can be viewed on the department’s website (https://www.agriculture.gov.au/animal/welfare/export-trade/review-asel).

 

Details/Operation

 

Details of the Amendment Order are set out in Attachment A.

 

The Amendment Order is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared under section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011. A full statement of compatibility is set out in Attachment B.

 

The Amendment Order is a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2003.


ATTACHMENT A

 

Details of the Export Control (Animals) Amendment (Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock) Order 2020

 

Part 1 - Preliminary

 

Section 1 Name

 

Section 1 provides that the name of the instrument is the Export Control (Animals) Amendment (Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock) Order 2020.

 

Section 2  Commencement

 

Section 2 provides that the Amendment Order commences on the day after it is registered.

 

Section 3 Authority

 

Section 3 provides that the authority for making the Export Control (Animals) Amendment (Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock) Order 2020 is regulation 3 of the Export Control (Orders) Regulations 1982.

 

Section 4 Schedules

 

Section 4 provides that each instrument that is specified in the Schedule to the Amendment Order is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned.

 

Schedule 1 - Amendments

 

Item 1 repeals the definition of ASEL in subsection 1.05(1) (definition of Australian Standards for the Export of Live-stock) of the Order and substitutes a new definition. The new definition is the standards that section 3 of the Australian Meat and Live-stock Industry (Standards) Order 2005 requires the holder of a live-stock export licence to export live-stock in accordance with.

 

Item 2 amends paragraph 1A.10(1)(e) of the Order by omitting “changes; or” from the paragraph and substituting that with “changes.”. These amendments are consequential to the amendments to the Order made by item 3.

 

Item 3 repeals paragraph 1A.10(1)(f) of the Order. Paragraph 1A.10(1)(f) gives the Secretary the power to require an exporter to submit a variation of an approved arrangement for the preparation of live-stock for export by the exporter if the ASEL change because of an amendment of the Australian Meat and Live-stock Industry (Standards) Order 2005. Paragraph 1A.10(1)(f) is superfluous, as the Secretary may require an exporter to vary the arrangement for this reason under paragraph 1A.10(b).

 

 

 


ATTACHMENT B

 

Statement of Compatibility with Human Rights

 

Prepared in accordance with Part 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011

 

Export Control (Animals) Amendment (Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock) Order 2020.

 

 This Legislative Instrument is compatible with the human rights and freedoms recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

 

Overview of the Legislative Instrument

 

The purpose of the Export Control (Animals) Amendment (Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock) Order 2020 is to amend Export Control (Animals) Order 2004 to amend the definition of Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock to mean the standards that section 3 of the Australian Meat and Live-stock Industry (Standards) Order 2005 requires the holder of a live-stock export licence to export live-stock in accordance with.

 

Human rights implications

 

This Legislative Instrument does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms.

 

Conclusion

 

This Legislative Instrument is compatible with human rights as it does not raise any human rights issues.

 

 

 

The Hon David Littleproud MP

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management

 

Overview

The Export Control Act 1982 was enacted to regulate the export of goods, services, and technology from Australia to prevent any threat to national security, foreign policy, or international obligations. This Act was designed to address the need for stringent control over the export of sensitive materials and technologies that could potentially be used for harmful purposes. The Act was enacted by the Parliament of Australia, and its policy objective is to safeguard national interests while facilitating legitimate trade. The Export Control (Animals) Amendment (Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock) Order 2020 is an amendment to the Export Control (Animals) Order 2004, which itself was established under the Export Control Act 1982. This particular amendment aims to update the definition of Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) to ensure that they align with the latest standards for animal welfare and health, specifically incorporating Version 3.0 of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock from 1 November 2020. This change is intended to maintain the integrity of Australia's livestock export industry by ensuring that all exports comply with the most current and scientifically-backed standards. The Export Control (Animals) Amendment (Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock) Order 2020 was made under the authority of regulation 3 of the Export Control (Orders) Regulations 1982. It seeks to ensure that the standards for the export of livestock are kept up-to-date with the latest scientific research and industry practices, thus maintaining Australia's reputation for high animal welfare standards in the global market. By aligning the ASEL definition with the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry (Standards) Order 2005, the amendment also simplifies the regulatory framework, making it easier for exporters to comply with the necessary standards. This amendment ensures that livestock exported from Australia meet the highest standards of welfare and health, thereby protecting both the animals and Australia's international standing in animal trade.

Scope and Application

The Export Control (Animals) Amendment (Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock) Order 2020 applies to entities involved in the export of livestock from Australia, specifically those who hold a livestock export licence under the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry (Standards) Order 2005. This includes livestock exporters and other relevant stakeholders who must comply with the new Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 3.0) as of 1 November 2020. The geographic and jurisdictional reach of the Order is national, as it pertains to the export activities of Australian entities. The Amendment Order extends to all livestock exports from Australia, without any stated exclusions or exemptions, ensuring uniform standards are applied across the industry. The Minister has the authority to make amendments through subordinate instruments, such as the Order, to ensure compliance with the new standards set out in the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 3.0). The Export Control (Animals) Amendment (Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock) Order 2020 amends the Export Control (Animals) Order 2004 by updating the definition of Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) to reflect the latest standards (Version 3.0) effective from 1 November 2020. This amendment ensures that livestock exporters adhere to the new standards designed to improve animal welfare and health during export. The Amendment Order also repeals a redundant provision that allowed the Secretary to request variations to approved arrangements if the ASEL were amended, as this power is already covered under another provision. The compatibility statement confirms that the Amendment Order does not engage any human rights or freedoms as recognised under the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011.

Key Provisions

The Export Control (Animals) Amendment (Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock) Order 2020 (the Amendment Order) primarily modifies the Export Control (Animals) Order 2004 (the Order). Section 1 of the Amendment Order provides the name of the instrument, while Section 2 specifies the commencement date as the day after its registration. Section 3 identifies the authority for the Order as regulation 3 of the Export Control (Orders) Regulations 1982. Section 4 outlines the instruments to be amended or repealed as detailed in the Schedule to the Amendment Order. Specifically, Item 1 of Schedule 1 repeals the existing definition of Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) and substitutes it with a new definition that aligns with section 3 of the Australian Meat and Livestock Industry (Standards) Order 2005. This change ensures that the Order refers to the updated Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 3.0) from 1 November 2020. Additionally, Item 3 repeals paragraph 1A.10(1)(f) of the Order, which was redundant because the Secretary could already require a variation of an approved arrangement under paragraph 1A.10(b). The Amendment Order imposes several obligations on parties involved in the export of livestock. Primarily, it mandates that from 1 November 2020, all livestock exporters must comply with the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 3.0). This includes adhering to the new standards concerning stocking densities, welfare monitoring, and reporting requirements, particularly for voyages by sea and air. Exporters holding a livestock export licence must ensure that their practices align with these updated standards to maintain compliance. The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment retains the authority to request variations to approved arrangements to ensure compliance with the new standards, as per the amended paragraph 1A.10(1)(b). Breaches of the updated standards set out in the Amendment Order may result in various consequences. Non-compliance with the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (Version 3.0) can lead to enforcement actions by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. Such actions may include fines, suspension, or revocation of a livestock export licence. Additionally, repeated non-compliance or significant breaches could result in criminal charges, with potential penalties depending on the severity and impact of the breach. The precise penalties are not specified within the Amendment Order but would be determined under relevant legislation, such as the Export Control Act 1982 or other related laws. The Amendment Order ensures that the updated standards are consistent with human rights, as evidenced by the statement of compatibility set out in Attachment B. The Order does not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms as recognised or declared in the international instruments listed in section 3 of the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011. Consequently, the Legislative Instrument is deemed compatible with human rights, as it does not raise any human rights issues.

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Animal Law
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Order
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Repeal & Amendment
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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.