Member for Werribee Tim Pallas is encouraging all Victorians to have their say on an expert review of Victoria’s Wildlife Act 1975.
An expert advisory panel appointed by the Andrews Labor Government is embarking on a comprehensive review of the Act to ensure it is up to date with community standards, contemporary issues and policy changes.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced a full review of the Wildlife Act 1975 – the first since it was enacted 46 years ago.
As part of the review, the community is encouraged to offer comment on the Act as it is now and make suggestions to help shape its future.
The review will consider Victoria’s Wildlife Act against similar legislation interstate and internationally to ensure it provides a best practice regulatory framework and ensure any future Act includes all the necessary powers to punish and deter wildlife crime and protect Victoria’s wildlife.
Tim Pallas said the community and interested stakeholders can contribute to the review online via Engage Victoria by reading the panel’s issues paper and providing comments around specific issues or providing a written submission.
The Panel will also work with Traditional Owners on issues related to self-determination, and will seek input from key interest groups, government bodies and relevant experts.
Consultation is open via the Engage Victoria website: https://engage.vic.gov.au/independent-review-victorias-wildlife-act-1975 and closes June 9. For further information about the review of the Wildlife Act 1975 go to: https://www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/wildlife-act-review.
Quotes attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas
“The world has changed since the Wildlife Act became law in 1975, and this independent review will help ensure an updated Act reflects community views.”
“The four members of the expert advisory panel examining the Wildlife Act 1975 have extensive experience in their fields and are keen to hear a range of views from stakeholders and the community as they consider reform of the Act.”