Published Saturday, 23 August, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Review into Hendra virus response
Horse Industry stakeholders will be sent draft Terms of Reference for a review of the latest cases of Hendra Virus in horses in Queensland to identify what lessons can be learned.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin says he will be expecting feedback about the proposed Terms of Reference from the Horse Industry Council and the Australian Veterinarians’ Association.
“I am aware that there is a high level of public interest in Hendra, which is why I have asked for an independent review of the Department’s emergency response,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Queenslanders can be assured that this review will be properly focused and they can expect that those responsible will identify how and where improvements can be made.
“The draft Terms of Reference include a review of DPI&F’s standard operating procedures, as well as standards for veterinarians about the handling of suspect Hendra virus cases.
“Workplace health and safety for DPI&F officers is also included.
“I am aware that continuous improvement is already a normal part of Biosecurity Queensland’s best practice.
“This was the case during the 2006 Peachester review. That final report was tabled in Parliament and it found that Departmental officers reacted appropriately and responsively in that Hendra event.
“As the Minister responsible for Biosecurity in this state, I’d like to thank our Biosecurity Queensland officers for their professionalism and hard work in challenging circumstances.
“Biosecurity Queensland’s officers continue to learn and examine their operating standards.
“The processes required to appoint an independent consultant to head the review are underway and it’s expected the services of an appropriately qualified person will be secured next week.
“The consultant will be asked to report on the findings by the end of October 2008.”
Members of the community have the option of referring concerns about veterinarians to the Veterinary Surgeons’ Board, which has the power to refer cases to the Veterinary Tribunal.
The Tribunal has a range of options at its disposal to resolve cases including Tribunal Hearings.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister’s Office
Media: 3239 6530
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin says he will be expecting feedback about the proposed Terms of Reference from the Horse Industry Council and the Australian Veterinarians’ Association.
“I am aware that there is a high level of public interest in Hendra, which is why I have asked for an independent review of the Department’s emergency response,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Queenslanders can be assured that this review will be properly focused and they can expect that those responsible will identify how and where improvements can be made.
“The draft Terms of Reference include a review of DPI&F’s standard operating procedures, as well as standards for veterinarians about the handling of suspect Hendra virus cases.
“Workplace health and safety for DPI&F officers is also included.
“I am aware that continuous improvement is already a normal part of Biosecurity Queensland’s best practice.
“This was the case during the 2006 Peachester review. That final report was tabled in Parliament and it found that Departmental officers reacted appropriately and responsively in that Hendra event.
“As the Minister responsible for Biosecurity in this state, I’d like to thank our Biosecurity Queensland officers for their professionalism and hard work in challenging circumstances.
“Biosecurity Queensland’s officers continue to learn and examine their operating standards.
“The processes required to appoint an independent consultant to head the review are underway and it’s expected the services of an appropriately qualified person will be secured next week.
“The consultant will be asked to report on the findings by the end of October 2008.”
Members of the community have the option of referring concerns about veterinarians to the Veterinary Surgeons’ Board, which has the power to refer cases to the Veterinary Tribunal.
The Tribunal has a range of options at its disposal to resolve cases including Tribunal Hearings.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister’s Office
Media: 3239 6530