Veterinary Practice Act 2018 (ACT)

Case

Veterinary Practice Act 2018   

A2018-32

Republication No 8

Effective:  16 July 2025

Republication date: 16 July 2025

Last amendment made by A2025‑20

About this republication

The republished law

This is a republication of the Veterinary Practice Act 2018 (including any amendment made under the Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 (Editorial changes)) as in force on 16 July 2025It also includes any commencement, amendment, repeal or expiry affecting this republished law to 16 July 2025. 

The legislation history and amendment history of the republished law are set out in endnotes 3 and 4.

Kinds of republications

The Parliamentary Counsel’s Office prepares 2 kinds of republications of ACT laws (see the ACT legislation register at type="disc">

  • authorised republications to which the Legislation Act 2001 applies

  • unauthorised republications.

  • The status of this republication appears on the bottom of each page.

    Editorial changes

    The Legislation Act 2001, part 11.3 authorises the Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial amendments and other changes of a formal nature when preparing a law for republication. Editorial changes do not change the effect of the law, but have effect as if they had been made by an Act commencing on the republication date (see Legislation Act 2001, s 115 and s 117). The changes are made if the Parliamentary Counsel considers they are desirable to bring the law into line, or more closely into line, with current legislative drafting practice.

    This republication includes amendments made under part 11.3 (see endnote 1).

    Uncommenced provisions and amendments

    If a provision of the republished law has not commenced, the symbol  U  appears immediately before the provision heading.  Any uncommenced amendments that affect this republished law are accessible on the ACT legislation register ( For more information, see the home page for this law on the register.

    Modifications

    If a provision of the republished law is affected by a current modification, the symbol  M  appears immediately before the provision heading.  The text of the modifying provision appears in the endnotes.  For the legal status of modifications, see the Legislation Act 2001, section 95.

    Penalties

    At the republication date, the value of a penalty unit for an offence against this law is $160 for an individual and $810 for a corporation (see Legislation Act 2001, s 133).

    Veterinary Practice Act 2018

    Contents

    Page

    Part 1      Preliminary

    1            Name of Act  2

    3            Dictionary  2

    4            Notes  2

    5Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc 2

    6            Objects of Act  3

    Part 2      Practice of veterinary science

    7           Meaning of restricted act of veterinary science  4

    8            Meaning of veterinary science  4

    9            Meaning of registered veterinary practitioner  5

    10          Carrying out restricted act of veterinary science without authority           5

    11          Person pretending to be registered veterinary practitioner  7

    12          False representation of person as veterinary practitioner or specialist      7

    13          Unqualified to practise as specialist  8

    14          Direction to engage in unprofessional conduct  8

    15          Restriction on recovery of fees or charges if not registered                   9

    Part 3      Registration of veterinary practitioners

    Division 3.1              Application and decision

    16          Application  10

    17          Withdrawal of application  11

    18          Board may ask for further information  11

    19          Decision on application  12

    20          Refund of application fees  13

    21          Conditions of registration  14

    22          Amendment of registration by board on its own initiative  15

    23          Amendment of registration on application  15

    24          Annual renewal of registration  16

    25          Renewal out of time  17

    26          Term of registration  18

    27          Surrender  18

    Division 3.2              Qualifications for registration

    28          Qualification for general or non-practising registration  19

    29          Qualification for specialist registration  19

    Division 3.3              Suitability of people to be registered veterinary practitioners

    30          Meaning of suitable person  19

    31          Meaning of suitability information  20

    Division 3.4              Registration and removal from register

    32          Removal of veterinary practitioner from register  22

    Part 4      Recognition of veterinary practitioners from other jurisdictions

    33          Definitions—Act  24

    34          Recognition of veterinary practitioners registered in other jurisdictions    24

    35          Application of Act to veterinary practitioners with deemed registration    25

    36          Condition of deemed registration  25

    37          Suspension and cancellation of deemed registration  26

    38          ACT becomes principal residence  26

    Part 5      Complaints and disciplinary proceedings

    Division 5.1              Definitions and code of professional conduct

    39          Meaning of veterinary practitioner—pt 5  27

    40          Meaning of professional misconduct  27

    41          Meaning of unsatisfactory professional conduct  28

    42          Veterinary practitioners code of professional conduct  29

    Division 5.2              Complaints

    43          Who may complain  30

    44          Consideration without complaint or appropriate complaint                   31

    45          False or misleading complaint  32

    46          Time limit for making complaints  32

    47          How complaints are made  32

    48          Withdrawal of complaints  33

    49          Further information about complaint etc  33

    50          Notice to veterinary practitioner complained about  34

    Division 5.3              Dealing with complaints

    Subdivision 5.3.1     Immediate action

    51          Meaning of immediate action—sdiv 5.3.1  35

    52          Power to take immediate action  35

    53          Show cause process  36

    54          Notice to be given to registered veterinary practitioner about immediate action 36

    55          Period of immediate action  37

    Subdivision 5.3.2     Investigation

    56          Investigation of complaints  38

    57          Investigation procedure  38

    58          People to give information, provide documents or answer questions      39

    59          Person failing to comply with direction  39

    60          Board may dismiss certain complaints  40

    61          Decision on completion of investigation  40

    62          Indication that offence committed  42

    63          Board’s obligation to keep complainant informed  42

    Division 5.4              Occupational discipline

    64          Grounds for occupational discipline  43

    65          Application to ACAT for occupational discipline  43

    66          Considerations before making occupational discipline orders—suspension or cancellation of registration  43

    67          Occupational discipline orders  44

    68          Interim suspension of registration  45

    69          Giving registering authority in other jurisdictions information about cancelling or suspending registration  45

    Division 5.5              Joint consideration with commission

    70          Interaction with commission  46

    Part 6      Registration of veterinary premises

    Division 6.1              Preliminary

    71          Definitions—pt 6  48

    72          Board may make veterinary premises standard  50

    Division 6.2              Application and decision

    73          Application for registration of veterinary premises  50

    74          Board may ask for further information  51

    75          Decision on application to register veterinary premises  51

    76          Conditions on registration of veterinary premises  52

    77          Term of registration for veterinary premises  52

    78          Refund of application fees  53

    79          Annual registration fee  53

    Division 6.3              Amendment of registration

    80          Amendment of registration by board on its own initiative  53

    81          Amendment of registration on application  54

    Division 6.4              Suspending or ending registration

    82          Surrender of registration  55

    83          Cancellation of registration—death or winding-up of registration holder    55

    84          Cancellation or suspension of registration by ACAT  56

    Division 6.5              Offences—registered veterinary premises

    85          Veterinary practice to be conducted at registered veterinary premises    56

    86          Unauthorised restricted act of veterinary science carried out at registered veterinary premises  57

    87          False representation of premises as registered veterinary premises       57

    88          Superintendent of registered veterinary premises  58

    89          Failure to display sign about registered veterinary premises               58

    Part 7      Veterinary practitioners board

    Division 7.1              Establishment and functions of board

    90          Veterinary practitioners board—establishment  60

    91          Board—functions  60

    92          Annual general meeting of veterinary profession  61

    Division 7.2              Board members

    93          Board membership  62

    94          Term of appointment  63

    95          President and deputy president of board  63

    96          Consultation about appointment to board  64

    97          Disclosure of interests by board members  64

    98          Conditions of board appointment generally  66

    Division 7.3              Board meetings

    99          Board procedures  67

    100         Quorum at board meetings  68

    101         Reporting on exercise of functions  68

    Division 7.4              Board misconduct

    102         Failure by board to exercise functions diligently  69

    Division 7.5              Board administration

    103         Offence—prohibition on business  69

    104         Appointment of registrar  70

    105         Registrar—functions  70

    106         Employment of staff etc  70

    107         Committees  70

    108         Delegation by board  71

    Part 8      Enforcement

    Division 8.1              Inspectors

    109         Inspectors  72

    110         Identity cards  72

    Division 8.2              Powers of inspectors

    111         Meaning of premises—div 8.2  73

    112         Powers of entry and search  73

    113         Production of identity card  74

    114         Consent to entry  74

    115         Powers of inspectors  75

    116         Direction to give name and address—inspector  76

    117         Offence—fail to comply with inspector’s direction to give name and address 77

    118         Warrants generally  78

    119         Warrants—application made other than in person  79

    120         Search warrants—announcement before entry  80

    121         Details of search warrant to be given to occupier etc  81

    122         Occupier entitled to be present during search etc  81

    Part 9      Register and dealing with information

    Division 9.1              Register

    123         Board to maintain register of veterinary practitioners and veterinary premises  82

    124         Contents of register—practitioners  82

    125         Contents of register—premises  83

    126         Information in register to be accessible and extractable  84

    127         Registration documents  84

    128         Registrar responsible for register  85

    129         Access to register  85

    130         Requests for changes of details in register  86

    131         When board must not charge fees etc for register corrections              86

    132         Evidentiary certificate—contents of register  87

    Division 9.2              Dealing with information

    133         Meaning of information holder  87

    134         Nondisclosure of complaints  87

    135         Use and disclosure of protected information  88

    Part 10     Notification and review of decisions

    136         Meaning of reviewable decision—pt 10  90

    137         Reviewable decision notices  90

    138         Applications for review  90

    Part 11     Miscellaneous

    139         Information sharing  91

    140         Protection of participants  92

    141         Protection of informed people  92

    142         Exemptions from Act  92

    144         Determination of fees by board  93

    145         Determination of fees by Minister  93

    146         Fee waiver  93

    147         Regulation-making power  94

    Schedule 1 Reviewable decisions  95

    Schedule 2 Unrestricted acts of veterinary science                96

    2.1          Unrestricted acts of veterinary science  96

    Dictionary98

    Endnotes

    1            About the endnotes  102

    2            Abbreviation key  102

    3            Legislation history  103

    4            Amendment history  104

    5            Earlier republications  107

    6            Expired transitional or validating provisions  108

    Veterinary Practice Act 2018

    An Act to regulate veterinary practitioners, veterinary premises, and for other purposes

    Part 1Preliminary

    1. Name of Act

      This Act is the Veterinary Practice Act 2018.

    2. Dictionary

      The dictionary at the end of this Act is part of this Act.

      Note 1The dictionary at the end of this Act defines certain terms used in this Act, and includes references (signpost definitions) to other terms defined elsewhere in this Act.

      For example, the signpost definition ‘veterinary science—see section 8.’ means that the term ‘veterinary science’ is defined in that section.

      Note 2A definition in the dictionary (including a signpost definition) applies to the entire Act unless the definition, or another provision of the Act, provides otherwise or the contrary intention otherwise appears (see Legislation Act, s 155 and s 156 (1)).

    3. Notes

      A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.

      NoteSee the Legislation Act, s 127 (1), (4) and (5) for the legal status of notes.

    4. Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc

      Other legislation applies in relation to offences against this Act.

      Note 1Criminal Code

      The Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to all offences against this Act (see Code, pt 2.1).

      The chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility (including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used for offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct, intention, recklessness and strict liability).

      Note 2Penalty units

      The Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties that are expressed in penalty units.

    5. Objects of Act

      The object of this Act is to regulate the provision of veterinary services to ensure the following:

      (a)the provision of veterinary services is focussed on the welfare and protection of animals;

      (b)veterinary practitioners provide veterinary services professionally and competently;

      (c)premises at which veterinary services are provided are of an acceptable standard;

      (d)veterinary services provided in the ACT comply with standards that—

      (i)are acceptable to the community; and

      (ii)meet national and international trade requirements;

      (e)consumers of veterinary services—

      (i)are well informed about the competencies required of veterinary practitioners; and

      (ii)have confidence in accessing veterinary services from veterinary practitioners;

      (f)the protection of the health and welfare of people.

    Part 2Practice of veterinary science

    1. Meaning of restricted act of veterinary science

      (1)In this Act:

      restricted act of veterinary science means an act of veterinary science prescribed by regulation.

      (2)Before an act of veterinary science is prescribed under subsection (1), the Minister must ask the board to advise the Minister whether the act should be prescribed.

      (3)The board must not advise the Minister that an act of veterinary science be prescribed under subsection (1) unless the board considers the act, if carried out on an animal, is likely to—

      (a)cause unacceptable harm or suffering to the animal; or

      (b)adversely affect human health; or

      (c)adversely affect domestic or international trade.

      (4)The Minister must consider the board’s advice in recommending that an act of veterinary science be prescribed under subsection (1).

      (5)A regulation must not prescribe an act of veterinary science mentioned in schedule 2 (an unrestricted act of veterinary science) as a restricted act of veterinary science.

    2. Meaning of veterinary science

      In this Act:

      veterinary science means any branch of the science or art of veterinary medicine or veterinary surgery and includes the following:

      (a)examining or attending to an animal to diagnose the physiological or pathological condition of the animal;

      (b)giving anaesthetic to, or performing an operation on an animal;

      (c)diagnosing pregnancy in an animal;

      (d)carrying out an artificial breeding procedure on an animal that involves surgery;

      (e)de-antlering deer;

      (f)anything else prescribed by regulation.

    3. Meaning of registered veterinary practitioner

      In this Act:

      registered veterinary practitioner means a veterinary practitioner registered under this Act other than a veterinary practitioner whose registration is suspended.

    4. Carrying out restricted act of veterinary science without authority

      (1)A person commits an offence if—

      (a)the person carries out a restricted act of veterinary science on an animal; and

      (b)the person is not a registered veterinary practitioner with—

      (i)general registration; or

      (ii)specialist registration.

      Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.

      (2)Strict liability applies to subsection (1) (b).

      (3)This section does not apply if—

      (a)the person—

      (i)is a student enrolled in a course of education in veterinary surgery or veterinary science offered by an Australian, New Zealand or other foreign institution that is accredited by AVBC or approved by the board; and

      NoteAVBC—see the dictionary.

      (ii)is carrying out the restricted act of veterinary science—

      (A)as part of the course of education; and

      (B)under the direct supervision of a registered veterinary practitioner; or

      (b)the restricted act of veterinary science is necessary because the animal is in urgent need of veterinary treatment and a registered veterinary practitioner holding general registration or specialist registration is unavailable; or

      (c)the person is a prescribed person or the restricted act of veterinary science is done in a prescribed circumstance.

      NoteOther laws apply to a person who is the owner of an animal (for example, the Animal Welfare Act 1992, s 6B, s 9C and s 19).

      (4)In this section:

      prescribed circumstance means a circumstance prescribed by regulation.

      prescribed person means a person prescribed by regulation.

    5. Person pretending to be registered veterinary practitioner

      (1)A person commits an offence if—

      (a)the person pretends to be a registered veterinary practitioner; and

      (b)the person is not a registered veterinary practitioner.

      Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.

      (2)Strict liability applies to subsection (1) (b).

    6. False representation of person as veterinary practitioner or specialist

      A person commits an offence if—

      (a)the person represents that a person—

      (i)is a registered veterinary practitioner; or

      (ii)holds a specialist registration; and

      (b)the representation is false.

      Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.

      Examples—par (a) (i)

      using the following title or description in relation to the person:

      ·     animal doctor

      ·     vet

      ·     veterinary

      ·     veterinary practice

      ·     veterinary practitioner

      ·     veterinary surgeon

      Example—par (a) (ii)

      using the title or description of ‘specialist’ in relation to the person

    7. Unqualified to practise as specialist

      (1)A person commits an offence if—

      (a)the person carries out a restricted act of veterinary science that requires specialist registration; and

      (b)the person does not hold the required specialist registration.

      Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units, imprisonment for 6 months or both.

      (2)Strict liability applies to subsection (1) (b).

    1. Direction to engage in unprofessional conduct

      (1)A person commits an offence if—

      (a)the person employs a registered veterinary practitioner; and

      (b)the person directs the veterinary practitioner to engage in conduct that, if engaged in, would be unsatisfactory professional conduct or professional misconduct.

      Maximum penalty:  50 penalty units.

      (2)For subsection (1), a direction by an agent or employee of the employer is taken to be a direction of the employer unless the employer proves that the employer—

      (a)did not have knowledge of the direction; and

      (b)exercised appropriate diligence to prevent the direction.

    2. Restriction on recovery of fees or charges if not registered

      (1)This section applies if a person carries out a restricted act of veterinary science and the person is not—

      (a)a registered veterinary practitioner holding—

      (i)general registration; or

      (ii)specialist registration; or

      (b)the registration holder of registered veterinary premises.

      (2)The person is not entitled to recover any fee or charge for doing the restricted act of veterinary science.

    Part 3Registration of veterinary practitioners

    Division 3.1               Application and decision

    1. Application

      (1)An individual may apply to the board—

      (a)for general registration as a veterinary practitioner; or

      (b)for specialist registration as a veterinary practitioner; or

      (c)if the person does not intend to carry out a restricted act of veterinary science—for registration as a non-practising veterinary practitioner.

      NoteIt is an offence for a person registered as a non-practising veterinary practitioner to carry out a restricted act of veterinary science (see s 10).

      (2)An application must—

      (a)be in writing; and

      (b)state the name and address of the applicant; and

      (c)state the class of registration applied for; and

      (d)include complete details about the individual’s qualifications for registration; and

      (e)include complete details of suitability information about the individual; and

      (f)for registration other than registration as a non-practising veterinary practitioner—include complete details of insurance held by the applicant required by regulation; and

      (g)for a specialist registration—

      (i)state the branch of veterinary science the specialisation relates to; and

      (ii)include the individual’s qualifications for registration; and

      (iii)state any relevant experience held by the applicant; and

      (h)include anything else prescribed by regulation.

      Note 1For qualifications to hold a registration—see div 3.2.

      Note 2For suitability requirements to hold a registration—see div 3.3.

      Note 3It is an offence to make a false or misleading statement, give false or misleading information or produce a false or misleading document (see Criminal Code, pt 3.4).

      Note 4A fee may be determined under s 144 for this provision.

    2. Withdrawal of application

      (1)An applicant may withdraw an application at any time before the board decides the application.

      (2)If the applicant withdraws the application under subsection (1), the board must refund the application fee (less any processing fee) to the applicant.

    3. Board may ask for further information

      (1)The board may, before deciding an application for registration, ask the applicant, in writing—

      (a)for additional information in relation to the application; or

      (b)to appear personally before the board to give information about the person’s application.

      NoteThe board may delegate its power to take information under par (b) (see s 108).

      (2)Subsection (1) (b) does not apply if the application for registration is made under the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 (Cwlth).

      (3)If the board asks an applicant to give information (whether in person or otherwise) to the board, the board may refuse to further consider the application for registration if the applicant does not give the information.

    4. Decision on application

      (1)On application by a person under section 16, the board must—

      (a)register the person; or

      (b)refuse to register the person.

      (2)The board is taken to have refused to register the person if the board fails to decide the application within 40 days after the day the board—

      (a)received the application; or

      (b)received the information requested under section 18.

      (3)The board must only register the person if—

      (a)the board is satisfied—

      (i)if the person is applying for registration other than as a non-practising veterinary practitioner—the person is covered by the insurance required by regulation; and

      (ii)the person is qualified to hold the registration of the kind applied for; and

      (b)the person is a suitable person to be registered as a veterinary practitioner; and

      (c)the person satisfies any other prescribed requirement for registration as a veterinary practitioner.

      Note 1A person may apply for general registration, specialist registration or registration as a non-practising veterinary practitioner—see s 16.

      Note 2For qualifications to hold a registration—see div 3.2.

      Note 3For suitability requirements to hold a registration—see div 3.3.

      (4)The board may refuse to register the person if the person’s registration as a veterinary practitioner has been suspended or cancelled in another jurisdiction, whether before or after the person applies for registration in the ACT.

      (5)The board must, within 7 days after the day it decides the application—

      (a)tell the person its decision; and

      (b)if it registers the person—enter the registration details for the person in the register and give the person a registration document.

      (6)In this section:

      registration details, for a person—see section 124 (2).

    5. Refund of application fees

      If the board refuses an application for registration under section 19, the board must refund the application fee (less any processing fee) to the applicant.

    6. Conditions of registration

      (1)A veterinary practitioner’s registration is subject to the following conditions:

      (a)the practitioner undertakes continuing professional development;

      (b)any other condition the board may impose at any time.

      Example—par (b)

      restriction on prescription of a therapeutic drug

      (2)The board may impose a condition under subsection (1) (b) only if satisfied that the condition is justified having regard to the following:

      (a)the provisions of any law of an Australian jurisdiction affecting veterinary practitioners or the practice of veterinary science;

      (b)the safety or health of people;

      (c)the health or welfare of animals or a kind of animal;

      (d)damage to the reputation of Australia in relation to animal exports, animal welfare, animal produce or sporting events;

      (e)any condition imposed on the veterinary practitioner’s authority to practise veterinary science in a State or another jurisdiction prescribed by regulation;

      (f)any impairment suffered by the veterinary practitioner.

      (3)Without limiting subsection (2), a condition imposed on registration may require the registered veterinary practitioner to do either or both of the following within a stated time:

      (a)undertake and successfully complete an additional academic or practical training course;

      (b)demonstrate to the satisfaction of the board—

      (i)a knowledge of the law and ethics relating to the practice of veterinary science generally; and

      (ii)in particular, a knowledge of the law and ethics concerning the supply, dispensing, storage and use of poisons and therapeutic substances that are relevant to the practice of veterinary science.

    7. Amendment of registration by board on its own initiative

      (1)The board may, at any time and on its own initiative, amend a registration (including by imposing a condition on, or amending an existing condition of, the registration).

      (2)However, the board may amend the registration only if—

      (a)the board has given the registered veterinary practitioner written notice of the proposed amendment; and

      (b)the notice states that written comments on the proposal may be given to the board before the end of a stated period of at least 14 days after the day the notice is given to the registered veterinary practitioner; and

      (c)the board has considered any comments received by the board before the end of the stated period.

      (3)Subsection (2) does not apply if the person holding the registration applied for, or agreed in writing to, the amendment.

    8. Amendment of registration on application

      (1)A registered veterinary practitioner may apply to the board to amend the practitioner’s registration (including by removing or amending a condition of the registration).

      NoteA fee may be determined under s 144 for this provision.

      (2)The board may, in writing, require the applicant to give the board additional information or documents that the board reasonably needs to decide the application.

      (3)If the applicant does not comply with a requirement under subsection (2), the board may refuse to consider the application.

      (4)In deciding whether to amend the registration, the board may consider anything the board may consider under section 19 in relation to an application for registration.

      (5)On application by a registered veterinary practitioner to amend the practitioner’s registration, the board must—

      (a)amend the registration in the way applied for; or

      (b)refuse to amend the registration.

    9. Annual renewal of registration

      (1)A registered veterinary practitioner may apply to the board for renewal of the applicant’s registration as a veterinary practitioner at any time within 8 weeks before the day the registration ends. 

      Note 1It is an offence to make a false or misleading statement, give false or misleading information or produce a false or misleading document (see Criminal Code, pt 3.4).

      Note 2A fee may be determined under s 144 for this provision.

      (2)An application must—

      (a)be in writing; and

      (b)include complete details of suitability information about the practitioner; and

      (c)include a statement about the continuing professional development undertaken by the practitioner.

      (3)The board must—

      (a)renew the registration if satisfied the person—

      (i)is a suitable person; and

      (ii)has completed the requirements for continuing professional development; or

      (b)refuse to renew the registration.

      NoteFor suitability requirements to hold a registration—see div 3.3.

      (4)The board must, within 7 days after the day it decides the application—

      (a)tell the person its decision; and

      (b)if it registers the person—give the person a registration document.

    10. Renewal out of time

      (1)This section applies if—

      (a)a person was a registered veterinary practitioner; and

      (b)the person’s registration as a veterinary practitioner (the previous registration) was not renewed under section 24; and

      (c)not more than 3 months has passed since the previous registration ended.

      (2)The person may apply to the board to renew the person’s previous registration by giving the board an application (an out of time application) that includes the same matters as an application under section 24 (2).

      (3)The board must deal with the out of time application in the same manner as an application made under section 24.

    11. Term of registration

      A person’s registration as a veterinary practitioner—

      (a)in the case of registration under section 19—

      (i)commences—

      (A)on the day the board issues the registration document; or

      (B)on the date stated in the registration document; and

      (ii)continues in force for the period of up to 12 months stated in the registration document unless the registration is suspended or cancelled before the end of that period; and

      (b)in the case of registration under section 24 or section 25—

      (i)commences on the day after the day the registration that it renews ended; and

      (ii)continues in force for a period of 12 months unless the registration is suspended or cancelled before the end of that period.

    12. Surrender

      (1)A registered veterinary practitioner may surrender the practitioner’s registration by giving written notice (a surrender notice) of the surrender to the board.

      (2)The surrender notice must be accompanied by—

      (a)the registration document; or

      (b)if the registration document has been lost, stolen or destroyed—a statement verifying that the registration document has been lost, stolen or destroyed.

      (3)The registered veterinary practitioner’s registration is taken to be cancelled if the registration is surrendered under this section.

    Division 3.2               Qualifications for registration

    1. Qualification for general or non-practising registration

      A person is qualified to hold a general registration or non-practising registration as a veterinary practitioner if the person—

      (a)is a graduate of a course of education in veterinary surgery or veterinary science offered by an Australian, New Zealand or other foreign institution that is accredited by AVBC or approved by the board; or

      (b)has—

      (i)completed a course of education in veterinary surgery or veterinary science outside Australia and New Zealand; and

      (ii)passed an examination held by AVBC.

    2. Qualification for specialist registration

      For this Act, a person is qualified to hold a specialist registration as a veterinary practitioner if the person—

      (a)holds or is eligible to hold general registration as a veterinary practitioner; and

      (b)has, to the board’s satisfaction, the necessary qualifications and experience to hold the specialist registration.

    Division 3.3               Suitability of people to be registered veterinary practitioners

    1. Meaning of suitable person

      (1)In this Act:

      suitable person, to be a registered veterinary practitioner, means a person who the board is satisfied is a suitable person to be registered as a veterinary practitioner.

      (2)In deciding whether a person is a suitable person to be a registered veterinary practitioner, the board must consider the suitability information about the person.

    2. Meaning of suitability information

      (1)In this Act:

      suitability information, about a person, means information about the following:

      (a)any conviction of, or finding of guilt against, the person for an offence against 1 or more of the following:

      (i)this Act;

      (ii)a law of another jurisdiction corresponding, or substantially corresponding, to this Act;

      (iii)the Crimes Act 1900;

      (iv)the Criminal Code;

      (v)the Crimes Act 1914 (Cwlth);

      (vi)the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cwlth);

      (vii)an animal welfare law;

      (viii)a consumer law;

      (ix)a law of the ACT with a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 1 year or more;

      (x)a law elsewhere that, if the offence were committed in the ACT, would have a maximum penalty of imprisonment for 1 year or more;

      NoteA reference to an Act (including a Commonwealth Act) includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including any regulation (see Legislation Act, s 104).

      (b)any impairment suffered by the person that would prevent the person from doing a restricted act of veterinary science;

      (c)any finding of professional misconduct or unsatisfactory professional conduct;

      (d)any refusal of an application by the person for registration (however described) in relation to the practice of veterinary science;

      (e)whether the person is, or during the previous 5 years was—

      (i)bankrupt or personally insolvent; or

      (ii)involved in the management of a corporation when the corporation was insolvent.

      NoteBankrupt or personally insolvent—see the Legislation Act, dict, pt 1.

      (2)In this section:

      animal welfare law means any of the following:

      (a)the Animal Welfare Act 1992;

      (b)the Domestic Animals Act 2000;

      (c)the Export Control Act 1982 (Cwlth);

      (d)the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2008;

      (e)the Stock Act 2005;

      (f)a law of another jurisdiction corresponding, or substantially corresponding, to an Act mentioned in paragraph (a), (b), (d) or (e).

      consumer law means any of the following:

      (a)the Australian Consumer Law (ACT) or a corresponding law of a State;

      (b)the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cwlth);

      (c)the Fair Trading (Australian Consumer Law) Act 1992.

      insolventa corporation is taken to be insolvent if the corporation—

      (a)is being wound up; or

      (b)has had a receiver or other controller appointed; or

      (c)has entered into a deed of company arrangement with its creditors; or

      (d)is otherwise under external administration under the Corporations Act, chapter 5.

    Division 3.4               Registration and removal from register

    NotePart 9 sets out requirements for the board in keeping a register under this Act.

    1. Removal of veterinary practitioner from register

      (1)The board must remove a veterinary practitioner from the register if—

      (a)the veterinary practitioner has died; or

      (b)the veterinary practitioner has requested the board to remove the practitioner’s name from the register; or

      (c)the veterinary practitioner has failed to renew the practitioner’s registration under section 24; or

      (d)the ACAT has ordered that the veterinary practitioner’s registration be cancelled.

      (2)The board may remove a veterinary practitioner from the register if—

      (a)the veterinary practitioner does not hold the qualification required for the registration the veterinary practitioner holds; or

      (b)the veterinary practitioner has failed to meet the continuous professional development requirements prescribed by regulation; or

      (c)the veterinary practitioner’s authority to practise veterinary science has been suspended or cancelled in another jurisdiction; or

      (d)the veterinary practitioner has failed to pay a fee or fine under this Act.

      (3)The board must not remove a veterinary practitioner from the register under subsection (2) unless the board has—

      (a)given written notice to the veterinary practitioner of the board’s intention to remove the record; and

      (b)given the veterinary practitioner at least 28 days after the day the notice was given under paragraph (a) to make written submissions in relation to the proposed removal; and

      (c)taken into consideration any submission made under paragraph (b).

    Part 4Recognition of veterinary practitioners from other jurisdictions

    1. Definitions—Act

      In this Act:

      another jurisdiction means a State or jurisdiction prescribed by regulation.

      NoteState includes the Northern Territory (see Legislation Act, dict, pt 1).

      deemed registration—see section 34 (1).

    2. Recognition of veterinary practitioners registered in other jurisdictions

      (1)A person who practises as a veterinary practitioner in the ACT is taken to be registered as a veterinary practitioner under this Act (deemed registration) if—

      (a)the person’s principal place of residence is in another jurisdiction; and

      (b)the person is registered as a veterinary practitioner in the other jurisdiction; and

      (c)the person is not registered as a veterinary practitioner in the ACT.

      Example

      Selina lives in NSW but commutes to the ACT to work as a vet in a veterinary practice.  Selina is registered as a veterinary practitioner in NSW but not in the ACT.  Selina is deemed to be a registered veterinary practitioner under this Act.

      (2)If the person has specialist registration in a branch of veterinary science (however described) in the jurisdiction in which the person is registered, the person’s deemed registration is taken to be a specialist registration in that branch.

    1. Application of Act to veterinary practitioners with deemed registration

      (1)A person who has deemed registration is taken to be a registered veterinary practitioner for this Act and any other territory law.

      (2)However, part 3 (Registration of veterinary practitioners) does not apply to a person who has deemed registration.

      (3)A reference in this Act to the suspension or cancellation of a veterinary practitioner’s registration is, for a person who has deemed registration, taken to be a reference to the suspension or cancellation of the person’s deemed registration.

    2. Condition of deemed registration

      (1)If a person’s registration as a veterinary practitioner in another jurisdiction is subject to a condition, the person’s deemed registration is subject to the same condition.

      (2)The board may—

      (a)on application by the person, waive or vary a condition of the person’s deemed registration if it considers it appropriate in the circumstances; or

      (b)on its own initiative, by written notice given to the person, vary or impose a condition on the person’s deemed registration.

      (3)The board may vary or impose a condition on the person’s deemed registration under subsection (2) (b) only if it considers it necessary to ensure that the authority conferred by the person’s deemed registration is substantially the same as the authority conferred by the person’s registration in the other jurisdiction.

    3. Suspension and cancellation of deemed registration

      If a person’s registration as a veterinary practitioner in another jurisdiction (including deemed registration, however described) is suspended or cancelled, the board may suspend or cancel the person’s deemed registration in the ACT without further investigation or hearing, on the ground on which the registration in the other jurisdiction was suspended or cancelled.

    4. ACT becomes principal residence

      (1)A veterinary practitioner must, within 3 months after the ACT becomes the practitioner’s principal place of residence, apply for registration as a veterinary practitioner under this Act.

      (2)If the veterinary practitioner has deemed registration under this Act, the veterinary practitioner’s deemed registration continues until the board—

      (a)decides the veterinary practitioner’s application; and

      (b)notifies the veterinary practitioner of its decision.

    Part 5Complaints and disciplinary proceedings

    Division 5.1               Definitions and code of professional conduct

    1. Meaning of veterinary practitioner—pt 5

      In this part:

      veterinary practitioner means—

      (a)a registered veterinary practitioner; or

      (b)a person who was, but is no longer, a registered veterinary practitioner; or

      (c)a person whose registration as a veterinary practitioner is suspended.

    2. Meaning of professional misconduct

      For this Act, professional misconduct means—

      (a)unsatisfactory professional conduct, or a pattern of unsatisfactory professional conduct, of a sufficiently serious nature to justify the suspension or cancellation of a veterinary practitioner’s registration; or

      (b)any other conduct prescribed by regulation.

    3. Meaning of unsatisfactory professional conduct

      For this Act, unsatisfactory professional conduct, in relation to a veterinary practitioner means any of the following:

      (a)engaging in conduct in the veterinary practitioner’s professional capacity that, if repeated or continued, is likely to do any of the following:

      (i)cause unnecessary suffering to an animal;

      (ii)cause the inappropriate death of an animal;

      (iii)adversely affect the safety or health of any person;

      (iv)damage the international reputation of Australia in relation to animal exports, animal welfare, animal produce or sporting events;

      (b)contravening a condition of the veterinary practitioner’s registration;

      (c)failing to comply with the veterinary practitioners code of professional conduct;

      NoteThe veterinary practitioners code of professional conduct is established under section 42.

      (d)providing information relating to the veterinary practitioner’s qualifications for registration knowing the information to be false or misleading in a material particular;

      (e)failing to supervise a person adequately in doing an act if supervision by a veterinary practitioner is required by law and the veterinary practitioner agreed to provide that supervision;

      (f)failing to comply with this Act;

      (g)engaging in conduct that demonstrates the veterinary practitioner—

      (i)is incompetent to practise veterinary science; or

      (ii)lacks adequate knowledge, skill, judgment or care to practise veterinary science; or

      (iii)is not fit to practise veterinary science because the veterinary practitioner suffers from an impairment;

      (h)engaging in improper or unethical conduct in the course of practising veterinary science;

      (i)engaging in any other prescribed conduct.

    4. Veterinary practitioners code of professional conduct

      (1)The board must establish a code of conduct for veterinary practitioners (a veterinary practitioners code of professional conduct) setting out the standards of conduct for veterinary practitioners carrying on the practice of veterinary science.

      (2)A veterinary practitioners code of professional conduct may apply, adopt or incorporate an instrument as in force from time to time.

      (3)A veterinary practitioners code of conduct may include requirements for continuing professional development of registered veterinary practitioners.

      (4)A veterinary practitioners code of professional conduct is a notifiable instrument.

      NoteA notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.

      (5)The Legislation Act, section 47 (6) does not apply to an instrument applied, adopted or incorporated under subsection (2).

    Division 5.2               Complaints

    1. Who may complain

      (1)Any person may make a complaint about a veterinary practitioner on any 1 or more of the following grounds:

      (a)the veterinary practitioner has, or may have, engaged in unsatisfactory professional conduct;

      (b)the veterinary practitioner has, or may have, engaged in professional misconduct;

      (c)the veterinary practitioner has, or may have, an impairment that means the veterinary practitioner is not fit to practise a restricted act of veterinary science;

      (d)the veterinary practitioner has, or may have, contravened this Act;

      (e)the veterinary practitioner has, or may have, contravened a condition of the veterinary practitioner’s registration or an undertaking given by the veterinary practitioner to the board;

      (f)the veterinary practitioner’s registration was, or may have been, improperly obtained because the veterinary practitioner or someone else gave the board information or a document that was false or misleading in a material particular;

      (g)if the veterinary practitioner is the superintendent of registered veterinary premises—the veterinary practitioner has failed to maintain the premises in compliance with a veterinary premises standard.

      Examples—people who may make complaint

      ·     a member of the public

      ·     a member of the veterinary profession

      NoteA person may also make a complaint to the commission (see Human Rights Commission Act 2005, s 39).

      (2)If a person makes a complaint under subsection (1)—

      (a)making the complaint is not a breach of—

      (i)confidence; or

      (ii)professional etiquette; or

      (iii)professional ethics; or

      (iv)a rule of professional conduct; and

      (b)no civil or criminal liability is incurred only because of the making of the complaint.

      (3)Subsection (2) (b) does not apply to a complaint that the person knows is false or misleading.

    2. Consideration without complaint or appropriate complaint

      (1)The board may, on its own initiative, consider in relation to a veterinary practitioner—

      (a)an act or service by the practitioner that appears to the board to be an act or service about which a person could make, but has not made, a complaint under this Act; or

      (b)any other matter related to the registration of the veterinary practitioner.

      (2)A board-initiated consideration must, as far as practicable, be conducted as if it were a consideration of a complaint.

    3. False or misleading complaint

      A person must not make a complaint that is materially false or misleading.

      Maximum penalty:  30 penalty units.

    4. Time limit for making complaints

      (1)A person may make a complaint about the conduct of a veterinary practitioner whenever the conduct is alleged to have happened.

      (2)However, the board is not required to investigate a complaint if the complaint is made more than 3 years after the conduct is alleged to have happened, unless the board decides it is just and fair to investigate the complaint having regard to the delay and the reasons for the delay.

    5. How complaints are made

      (1)A complaint made under this Act must—

      (a)be given to the board; and

      (b)be in writing; and

      (c)include the person’s name and contact details.

      (2)A person is entitled to reasonable assistance from the registrar to put the complaint in writing.

      Examples—when assistance would be reasonable

      1     the person cannot put the complaint in writing

      2     the person has difficulty putting the complaint in writing

      NoteA person may also make a complaint to the commission (see Human Rights Commission Act 2005, s 39).

      (3)However, a complaint may—

      (a)be made orally if the board is satisfied on reasonable grounds that exceptional circumstances justify action without a written complaint; and

      Example—exceptional circumstances

      Waiting until the complaint is put in writing would make action in response to the complaint impossible or impractical.

      (b)need not include the complainant’s name and contact details if the board is satisfied on reasonable grounds that exceptional circumstances justify action without the complainant’s name and address.

    6. Withdrawal of complaints

      (1)A complainant may at any time withdraw the complaint by written notice to the board.

      (2)If the complainant withdraws the complaint the board may continue to consider the complaint as a board-initiated consideration under section 44.

    7. Further information about complaint etc

      (1)The board may require the complainant to give the board—

      (a)further information about the complaint; or

      (b)a statement verifying all or part of the complaint.

      NoteIt is an offence to make a false or misleading statement, give false or misleading information or produce a false or misleading document (see Criminal Code, pt 3.4).

      (2)When making a requirement under this section, the board must set a reasonable period of time within which the requirement is to be satisfied, and may extend that period, whether before, on or after its expiry.

      (3)If the person fails to give a statement verifying all or part of the complaint—

      (a)the failure does not affect the making of the complaint; but

      (b)the board need not take any further action on the complaint.

    8. Notice to veterinary practitioner complained about

      (1)On receiving a complaint under section 43, the board must, in writing, tell the registered veterinary practitioner—

      (a)that a complaint has been made about the veterinary practitioner; and

      (b)that the complaint is to be considered by the board; and

      (c)what the complaint is about; and

      (d)unless section 134 (Nondisclosure of complaints) prevents the disclosure—the name of the person making the complaint; and

      (e)that the veterinary practitioner may make written representations in relation to the complaint within a stated period after receiving notice of the complaint.

      NoteSection 134 prevents the disclosure of information if there is reason to believe the disclosure would put someone’s health or safety at risk, cause someone to receive a lowered standard of service or prejudice the management of the report or its consideration.

      (2)The period mentioned in subsection (1) (e) must not be less than 7 days.

    Division 5.3               Dealing with complaints

    Subdivision 5.3.1       Immediate action

    1. Meaning of immediate action—sdiv 5.3.1

      In this subdivision—

      immediate action, in relation to a registered veterinary practitioner means—

      (a)the suspension of, or imposition of a condition on, the veterinary practitioner’s registration; or

      (b)accepting an undertaking from the veterinary practitioner; or

      (c)accepting the surrender of the veterinary practitioner’s registration.

    2. Power to take immediate action

      (1)The board may take immediate action in relation to a registered veterinary practitioner if—

      (a)the board reasonably believes that—

      (i)because of the practitioner’s conduct, performance or health, the practitioner poses a serious risk to people or animals; and

      (ii)it is necessary to take immediate action to protect public health or safety or the safety of animals; or

      (b)the practitioner’s registration was improperly obtained because the practitioner or someone else gave the board information or a document that was false or misleading in a material particular; or

      (c)the practitioner’s registration has been cancelled or suspended under the law of another jurisdiction.

      (2)However, the board may take immediate action that consists of suspending, or imposing a condition on, the veterinary practitioner’s registration only if the board has complied with section 53.

    3. Show cause process

      (1)If the board is proposing to suspend, or impose a condition on, a registered veterinary practitioner’s registration under section 52, the board must—

      (a)give the practitioner notice of the proposed suspension or condition; and

      (b)invite the practitioner to make a submission to the board, within the time stated in the notice about the proposed suspension or condition.

      (2)A notice given to a registered veterinary practitioner under subsection (1), and any submissions made by the veterinary practitioner in accordance with the notice, may be written or oral.

      (3)The board must have regard to any submissions made by the registered veterinary practitioner in accordance with this section in deciding whether to suspend or impose conditions on the veterinary practitioner’s registration.

    4. Notice to be given to registered veterinary practitioner about immediate action

      (1)Immediately after deciding to take immediate action in relation to a registered veterinary practitioner, the board must—

      (a)give written notice of the board’s decision to the practitioner; and

      (b)take the further action under this part the board considers appropriate, including, for example, investigating the practitioner or requiring the practitioner to undergo a health or performance assessment.

      (2)The notice must state—

      (a)the immediate action the board has decided to take; and

      (b)the reasons for the decision to take the immediate action; and

      (c)the further action the board proposes to take under this part in relation to the registered veterinary practitioner; and

      (d)that the practitioner may appeal against the decision to take the immediate action if the action is to suspend, or impose a condition on, the practitioner’s registration; and

      (e)how an application for appeal may be made and the period within which the application must be made.

    5. Period of immediate action

      (1)A decision by the board to take immediate action in relation to a registered veterinary practitioner takes effect on—

      (a)the day the notice is given to the veterinary practitioner; or

      (b)if a later day is stated in the notice—the later day.

      (2)The decision continues to have effect until the earlier of the following:

      (a)the decision is set aside on appeal;

      (b)if the immediate action taken is the suspension of, or imposition of a condition on, the registered veterinary practitioner’s registration—the suspension is revoked, or the condition is removed, by the board;

      (c)if the immediate action taken is the acceptance of an undertaking—the board and the registered veterinary practitioner agree to end the undertaking.

    Subdivision 5.3.2       Investigation

    1. Investigation of complaints

      (1)The board must conduct an investigation into a complaint in consultation with the commission.

      (2)The board may deal with 1 or more complaints about a veterinary practitioner in an investigation.

      (3)If, during an investigation, it appears to the board that there is a matter in relation to which another complaint could have been made against the veterinary practitioner concerned, the board may deal with the matter in its investigation as if a complaint had been made about the matter.

      (4)For subsection (3), the board may deal with the matter—

      (a)whether the complaint could have been made instead of or in addition to any complaint that was made; and

      (b)whether or not the complaint could have been made by the same complainant.

      (5)If an additional complaint is identified under subsection (3), the board must give notice of the complaint to the veterinary practitioner complained about under section 50.

    2. Investigation procedure

      (1)An investigation into a complaint must be conducted with as little formality and technicality as a proper consideration of the matter permits.

      (2)An investigation need not involve a hearing (whether public or private).

      (3)If the board appoints a committee to undertake the investigation, the committee must have at least 3 members including—

      (a)1 member representing the commission; and

      (b)1 member representing the board.

      (4)An investigation must be conducted in accordance with any applicable code of practice.

      (5)For the purposes of an investigation, the board—

      (a)is not bound by the rules of evidence; but

      (b)must observe the rules of natural justice.

      (6)A person appearing for the purposes of an investigation may be represented by any other person, subject to any applicable code of practice.

    3. People to give information, provide documents or answer questions

      For an investigation into a complaint, the board may—

      (a)require a person to appear and give evidence; or

      (b)require a person to answer any relevant question; or

      (c)take evidence on oath or by affirmation; or

      (d)require a person to take an oath or to make an affirmation; or

      (e)take statements and receive affidavits; or

      (f)require the production of any relevant document, including clinical records.

      NoteIt is an offence to make a false or misleading statement, give false or misleading information or produce a false or misleading document (see Criminal Code, pt 3.4).

    4. Person failing to comply with direction

      A person commits an offence if—

      (a)the person is required to do something under section 58; and

      (b)the person fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with the direction.

      Maximum penalty:  20 penalty units.

    5. Board may dismiss certain complaints

      (1)The board may dismiss a complaint against a veterinary practitioner if satisfied that the complaint is—

      (a)frivolous, vexatious or otherwise lacking in merit; or

      (b)a complaint that has already been dealt with under this part; or

      (c)trivial in nature.

      (2)The board may dismiss the complaint—

      (a)without investigating the complaint; or

      (b)without completing an investigation of the complaint.

      (3)The board is not required to investigate a complaint that has been dismissed under this section.

      (4)The board must tell the veterinary practitioner and complainant about the dismissal of the complaint.

      (5)The board, in dismissing the complaint, may also tell the veterinary practitioner details about the complaint.

    1. Legislation history

      Veterinary Practice Act 2018 A2018-32

      notified LR 30 August 2018
      s 1, s 2 commenced 30 August 2018 (LA s 75 (1))
      remainder commenced 21 December 2018 (s 2 and CN2018-12)

      as amended by

      Statute Law Amendment Act 2019 A2019-42 sch 3 pt 3.24

      notified LR 31 October 2019
      s 1, s 2 commenced 31 October 2019 (LA s 75 (1))
      sch 3 pt 3.24 commenced 14 November 2019 (s 2 (1))

      Statute Law Amendment Act 2021 A2021-12 sch 3 pt 3.62

      notified LR 9 June 2021
      s 1, s 2 commenced 9 June 2021 (LA s 75 (1))
      sch 3 pt 3.62 commenced 23 June 2021 (s 2 (1))

      Statute Law Amendment Act 2022 A2022-14 sch 3 pt 3.41

      notified LR 10 August 2022
      s 1, s 2 commenced 10 August 2022 (LA s 75 (1))
      sch 3 pt 3.41 commenced 24 August 2022 (s 2)

      Transport Canberra and City Services Legislation Amendment Act 2023 A2023-27 pt 5

      notified LR 7 July 2023
      s 1, s 2 commenced 7 July 2023 (LA s 75 (1))
      pt 5 commenced 14 July 2023 (s 2)

      Veterinary Practice Amendment Act 2025 A2025-20 pt 2

      notified LR 2 July 2025
      s 1, s 2 commenced 2 July 2025 (LA s 75 (1))
      pt 2 commenced 16 July 2025 (s 2 (1))

    2. Amendment history

      Commencement

      s 2om LA s 89 (4)

      Objects of Act

      s 6am A2025‑20 s 5

      Application and decision

      div 3.1 hdg note     om A2022‑14 amdt 3.216

      Application

      s 16am A2019‑42 amdt 3.105

      Qualification for general or non-practising registration

      s 28am A2025‑20 s 6

      Removal of veterinary practitioner from register

      s 32am A2025‑20 s 7; pars renum R8 LA

      Considerations before making occupational discipline orders—suspension or cancellation of registration

      s 66am A2025‑20 s 8

      Interaction with commission

      s 70am A2025‑20 s 9

      Board—functions

      s 91am A2025‑20 s 10

      Annual general meeting of veterinary profession

      s 92am A2025‑20 s 11

      Board membership

      s 93am A2023‑27 s 23

      Consultation about appointment to board

      s 96am A2025‑20 s 12

      Quorum at board meetings

      s 100am A2023‑27 s 24

      Appointment of registrar

      s 104am A2021-12 amdt 3.177

      Exemptions from Act

      s 142am A2021-12 amdt 3.178

      Declared professional bodies

      s 143om A2025‑20 s 13

      Determination of fees by board

      s 144am A2021-12 amdt 3.178

      Determination of fees by Minister

      s 145am A2021-12 amdt 3.178

      Declared professional bodies

      s 147am A2025‑20 ss 14-16; ss renum R8 LA

      Review of Act

      s 148exp 21 December 2024 (s 148 (3))

      Repeals and consequential amendments

      pt 12 hdgom LA s 89 (3)

      Legislation repealed

      s 149om LA s 89 (3)

      Legislation amended—sch 3

      s 150om LA s 89 (3)

      Transitional

      pt 20 hdgexp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      Definitions—pt 20

      s 200exp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      def commencement day exp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      def repealed Act exp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      Veterinary surgeons—applications

      s 201exp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      Veterinary surgeons—registration

      s 202exp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      Veterinary surgeons—suspended registration

      s 203exp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      Veterinary surgeons—complaints

      s 204exp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      Veterinary surgeons board—agreements and undertakings

      s 205exp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      Members of board

      s 206exp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      Register

      s 207exp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      Grounds for occupational discipline

      s 208exp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      Occupational discipline applications before ACAT

      s 209exp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      Executive officer to be registrar

      s 210exp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      Transitional regulations

      s 211exp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      Expiry—pt 20

      s 212exp 21 December 2020 (s 212)

      Consequential amendments

      sch 3om LA s 89 (3)

      Dictionary

      dictdef declared professional body om A2025‑20 s 17

      def exempt entity om A2019‑42 amdt 3.106

    3. Earlier republications

      Some earlier republications were not numbered. The number in column 1 refers to the publication order. 

      Since 12 September 2001 every authorised republication has been published in electronic pdf format on the ACT legislation register.  A selection of authorised republications have also been published in printed format. These republications are marked with an asterisk (*) in column 1.  Electronic and printed versions of an authorised republication are identical.

    Republication No and date Effective Last amendment made by Republication for
    R1
    21 Dec 2018
    21 Dec 2018–
    13 Nov 2019
    not amended new Act
    R2
    14 Nov 2019
    14 Nov 2019–
    21 Dec 2020
    A2019-42 amendments by A2019-42
    R3
    22 Dec 2020
    22 Dec2020–
    22 June 2021
    A2019-42 expiry of transitional provisions (pt 20)
    R4
    23 June 2021
    23 June 2021–
    23 Aug 2022
    A2021‑12 amendments by A2021‑12
    R5
    24 Aug 2022
    24 Aug 2022–
    13 July 2023
    A2022‑14 amendments by A2022‑14
    R6
    14 July 2023
    14 July 2023–
    21 Dec 2024
    A2023‑27 amendments by A2023‑27
    R7
    22 Dec 2024
    22 Dec 2024–
    15 July 2025
    A2023‑27 expiry of provision (s 148)
    1. Expired transitional or validating provisions

      This Act may be affected by transitional or validating provisions that have expired.  The expiry does not affect any continuing operation of the provisions (see Legislation Act 2001, s 88 (1)).

      Expired provisions are removed from the republished law when the expiry takes effect and are listed in the amendment history using the abbreviation ‘exp’ followed by the date of the expiry.

      To find the expired provisions see the version of this Act before the expiry took effect.  The ACT legislation register has point-in-time versions of this Act.

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