Page 1307 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 11 May 1993
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Mr Wood - the answer to the Member's question is as follows:
(1) The Act contained the usual commencement section. As no determination has been made commencing provisions other than Section 2, the Act came into effect automatically six months after notification in the Gazette-of 1 September 1992. The Animal Welfare Advisory Committee is finalising proposed Codes of Practice for the three industries to which I asked priority to be given, namely horse racing, poultry and pet shops. I expect recommendations from the Committee in the near future. In the meantime, it is important that the Animal Welfare Act is in effect because the legislation is a major step forward for protecting the welfare of animals in the ACT.
(2) The inspectors appointed under the Act-are the two ACT
Government Veterinarians, Dr Will Andrew and Dr Kaz Zimny,
and three RSPCA inspectors, Mr Neil Turner (Director),
Mr Eamonn O'Rourke and Mr Peter Inglis. All the appointed
Inspectors have considerable experience in dealing with
animal welfare matters.
(3) The Inspectors are empowered to take action to-enforce the Act and are expected to use their knowledge and expertise to make independent decisions regarding enforcement.
(4) The Inspectors were appointed because they have expertise in the area of animal welfare matters. I am not aware of any affiliation with animal liberation organisations.
(5) The Inspectors were appointed on the basis of the veterinarian qualifications and related experience.
(6) The Inspectors answer to the Animal Welfare Authority (who appoints them,. The current appointee is Mr John Thwaite, General Manager,-Parks and Conservation, Department of the Environment, Land and Planning.
(7) 'In the absence of Codes of Practice, the Inspectors determine breaches of the Act on the basis of their expert knowledge of animal welfare requirements and acceptable standards and the general provisions contained in the Act.
(8) The membership of the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and
the interests represented are as follows:
Denis Daly (Chairperson)
Geoff Wells (Agriculture and Landcare Section, Department of
the Environment, Land and Planning)
Marion Lewis (RSPCA ACT)
Rebecca Palmer (Australian Veterinary Association)
Richard Blackman (ACT Rural Lessees Association)
Jenny Macdougall (Animal Liberation) .
Pat Treacy (ACT Wildlife Foundation)
Colin Bates (a pet shop owner, commercial interests)
Beth Stone (ACT Equestrian Association)
Max Martin (Canberra Kennel Association)
Diane Garrood (Conservation and Wildlife Section, Department
of the Environment, Land and Planning)
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