This Part establishes an independent office of the Inspector - General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports, and sets out the Inspector - General's functions and powers.

The functions of the Inspector - General are to conduct reviews of the effectiveness of the following:

  (a)   the activities of livestock export officials under the animal welfare and live animal export legislation and standards;

  (b)   Commonwealth systems for the administration of livestock exports under such legislation and standards;

  (c)   the ASEL, as part of such systems;

  (d)   Commonwealth reporting relating to various matters relating to animal welfare and livestock exports.

Reviews may be initiated by the Inspector - General or directed by the Minister. They may also be conducted at the request of the Secretary, or another relevant Minister.

The Inspector - General may require the production of information or documents relevant to any review, and must publish a report on each review.

The Inspector - General must also prepare an annual work plan for each financial year, in consultation with the Minister and other persons. Annual work plans (and variations) must be published on the Inspector - General's website.