Page 222 - Week 01 - Thursday, 10 February 2022
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models to comply with this upcoming change, especially where they are releasing cats currently back into the community. We will continue to work through this in the coming months ahead of the 1 July commencement date.
Beyond the headline items of annual registration and cat containment, the bill makes a further series of consequential amendments. These include creating the ability for the registrar of animals to provide exemptions from the registration and containment requirements following direction of the minister, and amendments to bring the annual registration process and requirements more closely into alignment for both cats and dogs, given both schemes are addressed by this legislation.
There is no denying that cat policy can be polarising. In the course of developing and consulting on the ACT cat plan, we have heard a spectrum of views about the role that cats should play in our community and our environment. This bill reflects that plan in striking a balance between the health and wellbeing of pet cats and their owners, and the preservation of the biodiversity and natural wildlife that is such a unique feature of our city. Responsible pet ownership to manage the community impacts of cats is important, and so is acknowledging the very valued role that pet cats play in the lives of many Canberrans. I commend the bill to the Assembly as a valuable way for our community to put their best paws forward on both fronts.
Debate (on motion by Ms Lawder) adjourned to the next sitting.
Standing committees
Membership
MS LAWDER (Brindabella) (11.15): Pursuant to standing order 223, I move:
That:
Mr Cain be discharged from the Standing Committee on Education and Community Inclusion and Ms Lawder be appointed in his place; and
Mr Hanson be discharged from the Standing Committee on Justice and Community Safety (including the Legislative Scrutiny role) and Mr Cain be appointed in his place.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Legislation (Legislative Assembly Committees) Amendment Bill 2022
Ms Burch, pursuant to notice, presented the bill and its explanatory statement.
Title read by Clerk.
MS BURCH (Brindabella) (11.16): I move:
That this bill be agreed to in principle.
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