The WAFA Ethical Conduct Review (ECR) process provides a platform for individuals to raise concerns about potential violations of the WAFA Code of Ethics by WAFA Members and Credential-holders.

The ECR process allows for the thorough review, investigation, and response to allegations of unethical behaviour or practices that deviate from the standards established in the WAFA Code of Ethics. This process is designed to be a “model of excellence” for the fair and impartial review of complaints related to the ethical conduct of WAFA Members and Credential-holders.

If you have an ethical complaint against a WAFA Member or Credential-holder, we encourage you to download and review our information packet and sample form before completing the online complaint form.

Please note that the ECR process can only be initiated for individuals, groups, organizations, and businesses that have signed up and agreed to abide by our codes, standards and policies. As such, complaints against entities not affiliated with WAFA cannot be addressed through this process. For concerns outside our jurisdiction, please refer to the following avenues:

· Discrimination Issues: Contact the Australian Human Rights Commission, the relevant state or territory equivalent body, or local police.

· Animal Welfare Issues: Contact the RSPCA, the Animal Welfare League (AWL) or local police.

· Animal Management Issues: Contact the relevant state or territory governing body, for example local councils in NSW.

· Child & Vulnerable Persons Protection and Welfare Issues: Contact the relevant state or territory child protection, aged care or social services department.

· Disability Services Issues: For issues related to disability support, contact the National Disabilities Insurance Agency (NDIA).

· Assistance Animal Issues: There is currently no single centralised authority to handle complaints regarding assistance animal discrimination or the use of ‘fake’ assistance animals. However, there are several avenues you can explore based on the nature of the issue external to WAFA:

o Many assistance animals are trained and work under the auspices of an organisation which is often displayed on their working jackets or harnesses. In this case, you may wish to contact the relevant organisation for guidance.

o Some states and territories, such as Western Australia, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory, and Queensland, have specific government bodies that may address issues related to assistance animals. In this case, you may wish to contact the relevant government body for guidance.

o Some assistance animals fall under the Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) umbrella. In this case, you may wish to contact the relevant organisation for guidance.

Please note that there is no legal requirement for an assistance animal to work under the auspices of any government or organisational body.

· Therapy & Detection Animal Issues: In Australia, Therapy and Detection Animals are not recognised by law. As such, there is currently no single centralised authority to handle complaints regarding these animals as they are considered under the law to be akin to companion animals or pets.

o Many therapy and detection animals are trained and work under the auspices of an organisation which is often displayed on their working jackets or harnesses. In this case, you may wish to contact the relevant organisation for guidance.

Please note that there is no legal requirement for a therapy or detection animal to work under the auspices of an organisational body.

Please note that WAFA members are only bound by our Code of Conduct. As such, complaints against WAFA members (excluding WAFA certified members who are bound by all WAFA codes, policies and standards) must relate to a breach of the WAFA Code of Conduct.

Filing a Complaint

Before filing an ethical complaint against a WAFA Certified Member, please review the WAFA Ethical Conduct Review (ECR) information and Sample Form linked in the section above.

Next, complete the Decision Tree Questionnaire to determine if your situation warrants filing a complaint. A link to the Decision Tree Questionnaire is provided below. After completing the questionnaire, you will be directed to the WAFA Ethical Conduct Review complaint form.

– ECR DECISION TREE

– ECR INFORMATION PACKET

– ECR FORM

For any questions about filing a complaint, please contact admin@workinganimalsfederationofaustralia.com.au. If you require support in completing this application or process, please reach out to a WAFA staff member for assistance.