Victorian Farmers Federation president Emma Germano has called on the state government to release a draft of the new Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
In October, 2020, the government released a Directions Paper, setting out 12 proposals for a new animal welfare Act, intending to eventually replace the 986 PoCTA.
Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas has said the complete rewrite of the act is a "very complex process".
"We are working to make sure we take out those bits of PoCTA that do work," Ms Thomas said.
"But we are shifting the emphasis away from prevention of cruelty, which is a negative frame around animals, to care and protection."
She said extensive stakeholder consultation was underway and good progress was being made.
"It's fair to say it's taking time, because of its complexity," she said.
"We remain committed to delivering this act, in this term of government."
But Ms Germano said the biggest frustration for her members and farmers was a lack of real consultation, by the government.
That was not just about the new legislation but across the board.
"They are asking the industry its opinion, but when it comes to working through the issues, there isn't proper consultation," Ms Germano said.
They are asking the industry its opinion, but when it comes to working through the issues, there isn't proper consultation.
- Emma Germano, Victorian Farmers Federation president
A prime example was the recent crown lease waterways camping regulations.
The VFF has said it's pleased the government will only allow camping at designated sites, but more details were required.
The state government announced it was investigating up to 27 possible camping sites, just weeks before new regulations were set to come into effect on September 1.
Ms Germano said it was the same with the animal welfare legislation.
"We want to see what the draft legislation looks like, and work through it step by step," she said.
"We have all put in our submissions, and at the end of the day we are still waiting."
Ms Thomas said consultation was taking place with the agricultural, fishing, hunting and racing sectors.
"I feel very confident farmers will welcome the introducution of the act, given the increasing demands global markets are making."
Ms Thomas said there was increasing pressure from overseas markets on Australia's position on greenhouse gas emissions.
Overseas purchasers were also wanting to know and understand more about animal welfare standards.
That had been played out in the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement, where British farmers were claiming higher animal welfare standards.
