UQ welcomes Federal funding for Animal Welfare Chair

University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay has welcomed Federal Government financial support for the establishment of a Chair in Animal Welfare.

The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Warren Truss today announced the Federal Government would provide up to $500,000 to help support the establishment of a Chair in the University’s School of Veterinary Science.

“With the recent outbreak of BSE in Japan, there is an increasing awareness of food safety and animal welfare. This is not only a concern in Australia, it is also increasingly a market access issue and is becoming a determinant, along with price, quality and food safety, of competitiveness in overseas markets for animal products and live animals,” Mr Truss said.

A dedicated committee with representatives drawn from industry and the broader community has been fundraising and gathering widespread support for the initiative since 1999.

The minister’s announcement brings the total funds committed to the Animal Welfare Campaign more than $2 million dollars and means an international search for a suitable candidate to take up the position can begin.

In addition the Meat and Livestock Association has indicated support of up to $200,000 per annum earmarked for appropriate industry-focused research in animal welfare issues.

Queensland state and local governments have also made financial commitments to ensure the Chair, principally based at UQ Gatton, becomes a reality.

Professor Hay said establishing the Chair at UQ would further strengthen the University’s leadership in this area.

“UQ is well placed to investigate and solve animal welfare problems and issues through its Schools of Veterinary Science and Animal Studies,” he said.

John Armstrong, Chair of the Fundraising Committee that campaigned for the Animal Welfare Chair, said it would give Australians access to current, relevant research and advice in this important field.

“It is imperative that we have a continuous flow of reliable information based on impartial research and study both for industry and the broader community,” he said.

“Obtaining the support of the Australian Veterinary Association, Meat and Livestock Association, animal welfare organisations such as the RSPCA and the Animal Welfare League, and local government was crucial for winning Federal Government funds for the Queensland-based program.

“Creating the Chair in Animal Welfare means there will now be an independent source of expertise in the area of animal welfare that can provide research, teaching and community advice in a scientific and independent manner.”

The funding announcements will be followed up with a public fund-raising campaign.

For more information contact: John Armstrong (mob. 0419 742 091) or Peter McCutcheon at UQ Communications on (tel. 07 3365 1088, mob. 0413 380012)