Page 747 - Week 02 - Thursday, 23 February 2012

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MS GALLAGHER: That it is his job. So, credit where credit is due. Ms Porter does it, and every other member in this house does it, and that is the job of a local member—to represent your constituency and to take the advice. But I have to say, Mr Coe, if you had written about the bus lane on Barry Drive, the response would have been “Dear Mr Coe, no, this is a very silly idea. Kind regards, Katy Gallagher.”

Animal welfare

MS LE COUTEUR: My question is to the Minister for TAMS and is in regard to animal welfare in the ACT. For two years we have heard that the government is developing a code of practice for the sale of domestic animals as well as a discussion paper about broader issues with companion animals. Minister, what progress has there been on the referral to the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee on the development of the animal welfare code of practice, noting that it appears that this referral occurred in early 2010?

MS GALLAGHER: In my time as TAMS minister I have not seen the response from the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. I do recall that there were some issues with the length of time that the committee was taking to reply to the referral but I will take some further advice. I will discuss with my colleague whether he got it in his time as TAMS minister, but I will certainly have a look and see whether it has come back.

MR SPEAKER: A supplementary, Ms Le Couteur.

MS LE COUTEUR: Minister, what progress has there been on the development of the broader discussion paper on animal welfare issues and companion animals, noting that this was promised for release in mid-2010?

MS GALLAGHER: I think the position of the government was that we were waiting for the advice to come from the animal welfare advisory committee, which it has not at this point in time. But, as I said, I will try and find out where that is up to as of today.

MS HUNTER: A supplementary.

MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Hunter.

MS HUNTER: Minister, what consultation has there been and will there be on both the discussion paper and the code of practice?

MS GALLAGHER: I would imagine the consultation would occur in line with the government’s consultation guidelines. So I would expect that there would be further consultation, particularly with the key stakeholders who would be interested in this.

MS BRESNAN: Supplementary.

MR SPEAKER: Yes, Ms Bresnan.


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