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Vets join in animal welfare Bill protest
13 Nov 2003
The Australian Veterinary Association has joined forces with the Victorian Farmers' Federation in opposing a key section of the State Government's animal welfare Bill. A clause in the Bill grants Agriculture Minister, Bob Cameron, new powers to ban or restrict any device or practice on the basis of animal welfare concerns.
The VFF fears the minister will use the powers to ban animal husbandry practices such as mulesing, tail docking or the use of rabbit traps. It wants the Bill to include a disallowance provision. But Mr Cameron argues that while he would gain new powers, another clause prevents him from regulating to prohibit or restrict any practice covered by a code of practice. However, the AVA says the issue is not that clear-cut.
The pork industry has also raised concerns. Australia Pork Limited said it's perturbed by the Government's lack of consultation with farming organisations and livestock industry groups when developing the Bill. APL's main concern is that in its current form the Bill has no provision for a disallowance motion.
Weekly Times, 12/11/03, page 7.
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