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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1999 Week 5 Hansard (6 May) . . Page.. 1516 ..

MR MOORE

Because the term of the last appointed chairperson to the Board has expired and no nominations were received, the position of chairperson to the Board is vacant indefinitely.

The requirement for the chairperson of the Board to be 'a public servant' is not consistent with any of the other boards which come under the provisions of the Health Professions Boards (Procedures) Act 1981.

Chairpersons/presidents of veterinary surgeons boards in NSW, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia are not required to be public servants.

The ACT is not an 'agricultural' jurisdiction, the majority of veterinary surgeons are aligned to providing small animal companion services. It is therefore expected that this amendment will not adversely impact on business, the community or government.

The Principal Act is currently under review in the light of regulatory reform and National Competition Policy requirements and it is anticipated provision will be made for the inclusion of a community representative on the Board.

The Veterinary Surgeons (Amendment) Bill 1999 will open eligibility for appointment to the position of chairperson of the Veterinary Surgeons Board to all veterinary surgeons registered in the ACT, thereby ensuring the availability of suitable nominees for the position of chairperson of the Board, in the future.

Debate (on motion by Mr Stanhope ) adjourned.

MR HUMPHRIES (Attorney-General, Minister for Justice and Community Safety and Minister Assisting the Treasurer) (5.45): Mr Speaker, in the interests of having all Bills tabled at the one time, I seek leave to move a motion for Executive members business to be called on forthwith.

Leave granted.

MR HUMPHRIES: I move:

Question resolved in the affirmative.

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