Adam Marshall denies having egg on face over refusal to phase out caged products

Government documents had indicated the Northern Tablelands MP would not support the change, despite full details of the phasing out not yet being released.

Staff from the Department of Primary Industries had also supported getting rid of conventional cages for layer and breeder hens by 2036.

However, Mr Marshall told the Leader he hadn't made a call on the matter, and would continue to work with other states and the federal government.

"The NSW Government continues to participate in and contribute to the national process, led by the Commonwealth Government, for the development of Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry," he said.

"An independent panel has been tasked with developing the draft standards and guidelines.

"No decision has yet been made."

He said the state's stance on the matter would hinge on that draft document and a regulation impact statement.

One person who would like to see caged eggs phased out is manager of Uralla Chook-A-Look Free Range Eggs, Sally Barnden.

On top of being better for the animal's welfare, she believes the difference in quality is also noticeable.

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"I personally don't like the idea of the hens being caged, they need room to move and roam," she said.

"I have personal and commercial clients who won't use cage eggs, even my mother said 'an egg's an egg', but she can taste the difference and even she's said she'll never eat a caged egg again."

But she does understand affordability is an issue, and will be one of the main driving factors in any change.

Mr Marshall also said the market would be a factor in the government's decision, and it currently indicates shoppers prefer a choice.

"Market pressures have shown consumers still desire choice to allow them to make decisions based on their preferences, including for both diet and budget," he said.

"Chief considerations for NSW will be biosecurity, protein, affordability and, of course, good animal welfare practices."

However, the Animal Justice Party (AJP) believes Mr Marshall's mind is already made up, so the end result is a forgone conclusion.

AJP MP Emma Hurst put a motion to the Upper House last week condemning Mr Marshall for his previous comments on the issue. The motion passed 16 to 15.

"His rogue declaration was made before the national meeting of agriculture ministers to finalise and approve the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Poultry," she said.

"Minister Marshall is not only demonstrating shocking contempt for the national standards and guidelines process, he is ignoring experts, the community, and the wellbeing of the almost 12 million hens still held in battery cages in Australia, in favour of being a pawn for the animal agribusiness industry.

"After years of good faith, work between states and territories and with a meeting to finalise the standards and guidelines around the corner, Minister Marshall has declared unilaterally that NSW will not be supporting any phaseout of cages in the egg industry regardless of what the final recommendations are."

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