Legislative and regulatory environment for veterinary professionals

The legislative and regulatory environment of veterinarians can be complex and depend on their location and type of work. It is important that veterinarians and members of the veterinary industry are familiar with the legislative environment they operate in. Every effort has been made to ensure the legislative environment outlined below is complete.

However, it is the responsibility of every member to ensure they understand their complete legislative environment, which may include legislation outside of that outlined below.

Uniform Australian defamation legislation came into effect in Australia from 2006. The legislation remains state legislation.

Australian Capital Territory

ACT Defamation Act 2001

New South Wales

NSW Defamation Act 2005

Northern Territory

NT Defamation Act 2006

Queensland

QLD Defamation Act 2005

South Australia

SA Defamation Act 2005

Tasmania

TAS Defamation Act 2005

Victoria

VIC Defamation Act 2005

Western Australia

WA Defamation Act 2005

Australian Capital Territory

ACT Environmental Protection Act 1997

New South Wales

NSW Pesticides Act 1999

NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001

Northern Territory

NT Environmental Protection Authority Act 2012

Queensland

QLD Environmental Protection Act 1994

South Australia

SA Environmental Protection Act 1993

Tasmania

TAS Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994

Victoria

VIC Environmental Protection Act 1970

Western Australia

WA Environmental Protection Act 1994

Federal

Competition and Consumer Act 2010

Australian Competition and Consumer Regulations 2010

South Australia

Fair Trading Act 1987

Independent Contractors Act 2006

Privacy Act 1988

Freedom of Information Act 1982

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997

Corporations Act 2001

In Australia, state and territory governments are responsible for animal welfare and well being within their jurisdiction. These governments set and enforce laws to protect animal welfare and prevent cruelty to animals.

More information about animal welfare legislation in your state or territory can be found on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.

State governments establish codes of practice to protect animal welfare in places such as pet shops, breeding establishments, pounds and shelters. They also enforce animal welfare rules, usually through animal welfare organisations like the RSPCA or the Animal Welfare League.

The Australian Government is responsible for trade and international agreements relating to animal welfare.

State and local governments are responsible for laws relating to pets in Australia. Who is responsible for what varies from state to state. However, generally local government is responsible for managing problem animals within their jurisdiction, setting registration and identification rules for pets, and whether animals are welcome in public areas.

Some state governments have set mandatory rules for all pets in their jurisdiction covering microchipping, desexing, dangerous dog provisions or prohibited breeds.

The Australian Government is responsible for regulation of Australia's agricultural industries and trade. It manages the nation's biosecurity and quarantine systems, and takes a leading role in outbreaks of emergency animal diseases. The federal government is also responsible for the regulation of veterinary medicines and various agricultural industries (including levies).

State governments have responsibility for managing diseases in livestock, and regulating the use of poisons and therapeutic goods.

Looking for the state veterinary boards?

Access the complete list of state and territory veterinary boards and health departments.

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