NSW accused of chickening out as others move to meet 2036 timeframe for cage-free eggs

Agriculture ministers agree to phase out cages as animal rights advocates criticise state's lack of deadline

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The New South Wales government has been accused of bowing to industry pressure after announcing it would not be joining the rest of the country in phasing out caged eggs by 2036.

The nation's agriculture ministers met in Perth on Thursday to adopt the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry. The framework was developed over seven years before being finalised last year and agreed to by all states.

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