The development of Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry is an important initiative of Australian governments to guide new, nationally consistent policies to enhance animal welfare arrangements in all Australian states and territories. The development process is supported and funded by all governments and the major poultry industries. The standards provide a basis for developing and implementing consistent legislation and
enforcement across Australia and guidance for all people responsible for poultry. The standards are underpinned by a review of the relevant scientific literature, recommended industry practice and community expectations. This review ensures that the standards are scientifically valid and supported by a public consultation process that gives the community, industry, government and any other relevant stakeholders opportunities to comment on drafts
of the standards and guidelines documents. It is acknowledged that interpretation of animaln welfare science is influenced by the worldview and convictions (values) of the individual reader. This interplay of values and science can lead to people drawing different conclusions about the same piece of animal welfare science. The standards are not intended to predict, influence or restrict specific market access. Industry can introduce higher standards of animal welfare or other innovations to meet specific market requirements.