New Bill to boost animal exhibition opportunities

Businesses with travelling animal exhibits will be better supported with the passing of the Exhibited Animals Bill 2015 in Parliament this evening.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Bill Byrne said the Bill would create new opportunities for Queensland businesses by ensuring future exhibited animal licencing decisions were based on risks, not lists.

“The reforms contained in the Bill were first proposed under the Labor Government in 2008, so it is a relief to finally see this Bill moving forward,” Minister Byrne said.

“Queensland has the benefit of a large, private animal exhibition industry that contributes to our economy, and entertains local communities and tourists each year.

“Being able to experience Australia’s iconic wildlife in person is an important part of our tourism industry, and critical to educating adults and children on conservation and animal welfare.

“This Bill is a blueprint for the future of the animal exhibition industry in Queensland that creates opportunities for businesses to grow while improving the management of animal welfare, biosecurity and safety risks.

“The big win for exhibitors is that the Bill will allow fixed-based exhibitors to apply to keep almost any type of animal for exhibition, provided they can manage the risks.

“That means new opportunities for businesses to exhibit a greater range of species in Queensland, giving them the flexibility they need to grow the economy.”

Minister Byrne said the new Bill would replace six licensing schemes and parts of four Acts with a single licensing scheme under a single Act.

“There will be only one licence type, and exhibitors who currently require multiple licences will be able to operate under a single licence,” he said.

“Exhibitors will be required to better monitor their animals and take steps to minimise risk. For those reasons I believe the Bill is a big step forward to reduce the risk of exhibited animals escaping, or becoming pests.

“The Bill has been developed with input from industry and the wider community through a public consultation process.

“This is a landmark overhaul of legislation for Queensland that will foster world-class wildlife experiences for tourists and the community for many years to come.”

For more information on the Exhibited Animals Bill 2015, contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

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