SHANE Rattenbury has introduced the Veterinary Surgeons Bill 2015 into the Assembly.

“This bill does a number of things, the most important of which is providing occupation specific legislation to regulate veterinary practice in the Territory,” Shane said.

“The legislation ensures that our region’s veterinary practitioners meet the professional standards set for them and are qualified and able to deliver health services to animals in a skilled and competent manner.

“Through this bill, customers who receive a service from a veterinarian that doesn’t meet these standards are provided a statutory avenue to complain through. In severe cases of malpractice, a veterinary practitioner can be removed from practice.”

Shane said the enactment of this bill will repeal the Health Professionals Act 2004 which is now no longer necessary.

“All health practitioners, other than veterinary surgeons, are covered by a national legislative scheme and with the creation of occupation specific legislation for veterinary surgeons, the Health Professionals Act 2004 becomes redundant.

“The Bill mirrors the current arrangements, retaining the characteristics of the existing scheme including a board to regulate veterinary surgeons.

“The Veterinary Surgeons Act will continue to govern the Veterinary Surgeons Board which can investigate complaints about veterinarians and take action where it is shown that the standards of practice have not been met.”