Page 688 - Week 03 - Thursday, 21 May 1992
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Madam Speaker, the Supply Bill is in line with the current administrative arrangements. However, there are some changes from the 1991-92 program structure. The arts program has moved from the Department of Education and the Arts to the Department of the Environment, Land and Planning, and the Department of Education and the Arts has been renamed the Department of Education and Training. In addition, the hospitals and public and community health programs will merge to form one health program under the Department of Health.
Within each of the programs a distinction between recurrent and capital expenditure has been made, to limit the application of the moneys appropriated. I now present the explanatory memorandum for the Bill.
Debate (on motion by Mr Kaine) adjourned.
ANIMAL WELFARE BILL 1992
MR WOOD (Minister for Education and Training, Minister for the Arts and Minister for the Environment, Land and Planning) (10.35): Madam Speaker, I present the Animal Welfare Bill 1992.
Title read by Clerk.
MR WOOD: I move:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
The Animal Welfare Bill 1992 represents a major reform of existing legislation relating to animal welfare and protection. This legislation will provide the ACT with modern and comprehensive animal welfare legislation which aligns with current community attitudes. I am proud to be able to present this Bill to the Assembly.
The Bill has been prepared from a much publicised policy statement on animal welfare and follows principles enunciated by the Labor Party. The policy statement was developed with help from a diverse group consisting of members of the RSPCA, the Australian Veterinary Association, the Rural Lessees Association, Animal Liberation, a pet shop owner who represented commercial interests, and our government veterinary officer. In addition, the community had a number of opportunities to express its views and did so effectively. The policy statement advanced our thinking on animal welfare and the Bill addresses the concerns.
The legislation prohibits rodeos, game parks and organised animal fighting competitions. The legislation also bans both the possession and the use of a sharpened spur and of a cockfighting spur cap. The general cruelty provisions include requirements that animals are transported humanely, that injured animals are appropriately treated, and that animals are adequately exercised and provided with everyday needs such as appropriate food, water and shelter. Ultimately, we will have codes of practice for the care and management of animals which will be incorporated into regulations. This major step forward for animal welfare in the ACT will detail specific requirements for people to treat animals appropriately.
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