Northern Territory Second Reading Speeches
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VETERINARIANS AMENDMENT BILL 1999
(This an uncorrected proof of the daily report. It is made available under the condition that it is recognised as such.)
Mr Speaker, I move that the bill be now read a second time.
This bill will amend the Veterinarians Act to provide for a simpler method of resolving less serious complaints against veterinarians. It will clarify the provisions for election of board members and payment of registration fees. It will simplify the provisions for notifying the results of an inquiry and will remove some inconsistencies in the current legislation. The major changes simplify the act, clarify procedures and remove inconsistencies.
The bill provides for complaints against veterinarians to be handled through a two-stage process. Only more serious cases will proceed to a formal hearing where previously all cases proceeded to a hearing. The new arrangements will reduce costs and expedite resolution of complaints. The bill also allows for more flexibility in membership of the veterinary board. It allows more than one non-veterinarian board member, and provides that the president of the veterinary board need not be the chief inspector of stock or a veterinarian.
This bill provides for simpler, clearer legislation to facilitate the provision of a high standard of veterinary services to the Northern Territory community for the benefit of the community and of our animals. Mr Speaker, I commend the bill.
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