New South Wales

• Two audits per year plus one dedicated animal welfare audit
• Up to one audit per month for poorly performing abattoirs
• More than 90% are unannounced 

Victoria

• Four audits per year, more for non-conformance, less where capacity to self-manage is demonstrated.
• Additional unannounced inspections

Queensland

• One audit per year, can be announced or unannounced.
• Random checks also part of routine verification activities.

South Australia

• At least two audits per year, more if evidence of non-compliance.
• Majority unannounced.

Western Australia

• Two announced audits per year.
• Unannounced audits if deemed appropriate.

Northern Territory

• Two announced audits per year.

Tasmania

• Minimum two audits per year.
• Unannounced audits if department is made aware of possible breach.

Note: Audits are official visits, most often announced, to examine business records for compliance throughout a certain period. In some states, additional inspection are carried out in between audits for spot checks. These can be announced or unannounced.

Back to main article: What's your beef? Animal welfare in the meat industry