New welfare inspector begins in the north
A new Livestock Compliance Unit (LCU) inspector has started in the north, with the appointment of James Matthews in Broome. James has had a long association with northern Australia and has developed a thorough understanding of the challenges that face producers in the area.
He has spent the past 17 years working at the federal Department of Agriculture, with postings in Weipa, Jabiru, Christmas Island and, for the last four years, Broome. James’ work over this time focused on livestock biosecurity, and he travelled throughout northern Australia conducting surveillance for exotic diseases such as foot-and-mouth and African swine fever.
Having started with the LCU earlier in the year, James has already established networks in the Kimberley and Pilbara and is looking forward to continuing this engagement to improve animal welfare outcomes.
“While I’m part of a compliance team, my role first and foremost is educating people in charge of livestock on what they need to do to ensure their animals are receiving the best possible care,” he said.
“However, it’s also important to have accountability, and compliance action might be necessary where these responsibilities aren’t met.
“The environment in the north can be quite challenging at times so it’s important that producers are well prepared, have good livestock management plans in place, and make the right decisions around welfare in a timely manner.
“My experience has shown that the majority of people do the right thing, but I’ll be doing what I can to make sure improvements in animal welfare are made right across the northern beef industry.”
The department’s LCU operates throughout Western Australia and has inspectors in regional towns such as Albany, Narrogin and Kalgoorlie, as well as in the Perth metropolitan area. You can find out more about the department’s role in animal welfare online.