The Livestock Industry Authority (LIA), proposed under the Livestock Industry (Development) Bill, is intended to function as the central statutory body responsible for regulating and guiding the livestock sector in Papua New Guinea. Its overarching purpose is to strengthen governance, ensure industry compliance, and drive coordinated sector development. As the national regulator, the LIA will enforce quality, safety, and biosecurity requirements, while also offering policy guidance that supports long-term livestock growth.

Core responsibilities of the Authority will include issuing licenses and certifications for livestock operations, upholding animal health and welfare standards, and supervising key facilities such as abattoirs, breeding centers, and quarantine stations. A major task will be the rollout and management of the Animal Identification and Traceability System (AITS), aimed at improving monitoring and disease control. The LIA will also promote research, extension services, and market access initiatives to strengthen productivity and competitiveness.

The establishment of the Authority aligns with major national policy agendas. Under PNG Vision 2050, it supports sustainable agriculture and income generation; in the Medium Term Development Plan IV (2023–2027), it contributes to boosting domestic meat production; within the National Agriculture Sector Plan 2024–2033, it reinforces priorities for commercial farming and downstream processing. The Livestock Policy 2023 specifically mandates the creation of the LIA as the industry’s regulatory hub.

Expected outcomes include having the Authority fully functional by 2026, improving sector-wide compliance, and reducing reliance on imported meat through increased domestic output. Stronger collaboration with private and international partners is anticipated to further accelerate industry development.