Thursday, 12 September 2024

Animal welfare

Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:22): (672) My question is for the minister representing the Minister for Agriculture in the other place. Minister, the government recently released its draft Animal Care and Protection Bill for public comment, to replace the outdated Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 – the POCTA act – which is almost 40 years old. Can the minister provide an assurance to hunters that this new legislation will not prevent them from going about their usual outdoor recreation lawfully, as they do now?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:22): I thank Mr Bourman for his question, and I will pass that on to the Minister for Agriculture for a response.

Jeff BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:22): I thank the minister for passing that on. Can the minister assure Victorian hunters that between the passing of the bill and its enactment they will be consulted meaningfully on the regulations that will underpin the act?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:23): I am very confident the answer to that will be yes, Mr Bourman, but I will let the Minister for Agriculture provide you with her response.