The Inspector - General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports has the role of monitoring, investigating and reporting on the implementation, by the Commonwealth Government, of the animal welfare and live animal export legislation and standards in relation to the export of livestock, and the outcomes of such implementation.

This Act establishes the office of the Inspector - General, sets out the Inspector - General's functions and powers and deals with other matters relating to the role of the Inspector - General (including administrative matters and the management of information obtained under this Act).

The Inspector - General is independent from other persons and entities with responsibilities under the animal welfare and live animal exports legislation and standards. This supports the Inspector - General's effective, impartial and transparent review of the way in which those persons and entities exercise such responsibilities.

The main function of the Inspector - General is to review the conduct of government livestock export officials in relation to the export of livestock.

The Inspector - General may also review the effectiveness of Commonwealth administrative systems, and the effectiveness of Commonwealth reporting, relating to animal welfare and livestock exports.

The Inspector - General is required to report any misconduct by a livestock export official, and to publish the following:

  (a)   a report on each review;

  (b)   a work plan for each financial year;

  (c)   an annual report.