10Functions of the Inspector‑General

10 Functions of the Inspector‑General

Functions (1) The functions of the Inspector‑General are to conduct reviews of the following matters: (a) the performance of functions, or exercise of powers, by livestock export officials under the animal welfare and live animal export legislation and standards in relation to the export of livestock; (b) the effectiveness of Commonwealth systems for the administration of livestock exports under the animal welfare and live animal export legislation and standards for maintaining and enhancing the welfare of exported livestock; (c) the effectiveness of the ASEL, as a part of such systems; (d) the effectiveness of Commonwealth reporting of any or all of the following: (i) the welfare of exported livestock; (ii) livestock export investigations related to animal welfare; (iii) non‑compliance with the animal welfare and live animal export legislation and standards in relation to the export of livestock; (iv) the information covered by section 424 of the Export Control Act 2020 (report to Parliament about export of livestock); (v) potential non‑compliance with State and Territory laws relating to animal welfare, as reported to State and Territory Governments.

Note: Reports under section 424 of the Export Control Act 2020 are based on reporting by the masters of vessels engaged in the export of livestock.

(1A) In conducting a review under subsection (1), the Inspector‑General must consider the welfare of animals in relation to Australia’s livestock exports. (2) Subsection (1) does not permit the Inspector‑General to review only a single performance of a function, or a single exercise of a power, by a single livestock export official.

Note: The Inspector‑General’s role is to provide accountability and assurance in relation to Australia’s livestock export regulatory systems through independent evaluation and verification of regulatory practices. The Inspector‑General may review the performance of functions and exercise of powers by livestock export officials (including the Secretary) and may make recommendations for overall system improvements.

Ancillary powers (2A) The Inspector‑General has power to do all things necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, the performance of the Inspector‑General’s functions. Report on review (3) The Inspector‑General must publish a report on each review the Inspector‑General conducts under this section. Rules may deal with reviews and reports (4) The rules may make provision for or in relation to: (a) the process to be followed in conducting a review under this section; and (b) the content of reports of reviews conducted under this section.