Thursday, 16 November 2023

Animal welfare

Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:25): (363) My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Agriculture. In 2017 the government committed to modernising our animal protection laws with a brand new act, replacing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, due to be in place by 2019. However, in 2023 we are yet to see a draft bill. When will the government introduce their new animal care and protection act?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:25): I will certainly refer your question to the Minister for Agriculture, because I think it will kind of be a part B to Mr Bourman’s question from yesterday, so that will go well for the minister’s office.

Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:26): Thank you, Attorney, for referring that on. A key change in this new legislation is acknowledging sentience of animals. It does something we have all known for a long time: that animals can feel a range of emotions as well as experience pain and suffering. Will the legislating of sentience cover all animals, not just some of them?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:26): As tempting as it is, as a former agriculture minister, to go into some detail, I might leave that for the current minister, and I am sure she will get back to you.