Hon Amanda Dorn questions the Minister for Agriculture and Food regarding fire prevention and emergency management standards in WA intensive farming operations, particularly piggeries and poultry farms, following a devastating fire in South Australia. The Minister outlines existing regulations and proposed amendments to strengthen animal welfare.

AnsweredQoN 876Legislative Council
Asked
16 October 2025
Portfolio
Agriculture and Food

QuestionView source ↗

Intensive farming—Fire
prevention and emergency management standards
876. Hon Amanda Dorn to
the Minister for Agriculture and Food:
I refer to the
devastating fire at the Dublin piggery in South Australia where hundreds of
pigs were burned alive.
(1) What fire prevention and emergency management
standards currently apply to intensive farming operations in WA, including
piggeries and poultry farms?
(2) Are operators required to have evacuation or
fire safety plans for the animals confined within sheds and, if not, why not?
(3) Will the minister commit to reviewing current
regulations to ensure that intensive farms are subject to mandatory fire
prevention measures, regular inspections and emergency protocols to prevent
such large-scale animal deaths in WA and, if not, why not?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(3) The code of practice for the
welfare of pigs requires that all buildings have fire prevention measures in
place and that staff are trained in their use. The Animal Welfare (Poultry)
Regulations 2024 require that a person responsible for poultry housed indoors
ensures appropriate firefighting equipment is maintained and accessible.
Proposed amendments to the Animal Welfare Act 2002 will strengthen the duty of care requirements for all animals.

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