Meat Inspection Act 1983
No. 71, 1983 as amended
Compilation start date: 29 June 2013
Includes amendments up to: Act No. 103, 2013
About this compilation
The compiled Act
This is a compilation of the Meat Inspection Act 1983 as amended and in force on 29 June 2013. It includes any amendment affecting the compiled Act to that date.
This compilation was prepared on 30 July 2013.
The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending Acts and instruments and the amendment history of each amended provision.
Uncommenced provisions and amendments
If a provision of the compiled Act is affected by an uncommenced amendment, the text of the uncommenced amendment is set out in the endnotes.
Application, saving and transitional provisions for amendments
If the operation of an amendment is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision, the provision is identified in the endnotes.
Modifications
If a provision of the compiled Act is affected by a textual modification that is in force, the modification is identified in the endnotes.
Provisions ceasing to have effect
If a provision of the compiled Act has expired or otherwise ceased to have effect in accordance with a provision of the Act, details of the provision are set out in the endnotes.
Contents
Part I—Preliminary
1 Short title
2 Commencement
3 Interpretation
4 Object and application of Act
5 Act to bind Crown
5A Application of the Criminal Code
6 Modification of provisions of Act
7 Saving of other laws
Part II—The inspection of meat
Division 1—Abattoirs and meat processing plants
8 Slaughter and destruction of abattoir animals at abattoirs
9 Animals other than abattoir animals not to be slaughtered at abattoirs
10 Bringing of meat into abattoirs etc.
11 Processing of meat at meat processing plants
12 Bringing of meat into meat processing plants etc.
13 Dealing with condemned and rejected animals and meat
Division 2—Knackeries and animal food processing plants
14 Slaughter and destruction of knackery animals at knackeries
15 Animals other than knackery animals not to be slaughtered at knackeries
16 Bringing of meat into knackeries etc.
17 Processing of meat at animal food processing plants
18 Bringing of meat into animal food processing plants etc.
19 Dealing with condemned and rejected animals and meat
Division 3—General
20 Regulations with respect to inspection of meat
Part III—Transport of meat to and from certain States and Territories
21 Taking meat out of State or Territory to which Act extends etc.
22 Inspection of meat brought into State or Territory to which Act extends
Part IV—Official marks and trade descriptions
23 Contravention of regulations relating to official marks
24 False trade descriptions
Part V—Additional powers of authorized officers
25 Powers of authorised officers to ascertain compliance with Act
26 Seizure
28 Persons to assist authorised officers
Part VI—Miscellaneous
29 Indictable offences
30 Forfeiture of meat
31 Delegation
32 Authorised officers
33 Identity cards
34 Protection of authorised officers and other persons
35 Supply of any goods or…
Overview
The Meat Inspection Act 1983 was enacted by the Commonwealth Parliament to provide a regulatory framework for the inspection of meat intended for human consumption or for use as animal food, addressing the need for consistent standards and practices across Australia to ensure public health and safety. The Act applies to New South Wales, any other state that adopts the Act, and any territory to which it is extended by proclamation. The primary objective of the Act is to regulate the inspection processes, handling, transportation, and labelling of meat, ensuring that it meets health and safety standards. The Act also empowers authorised officers with specific powers to enforce compliance and includes provisions for the seizure of non-compliant meat, imposition of fines, and other penalties for violations. The Act is supported by regulations that may be made under its authority, allowing for detailed and specific provisions to be established as necessary.
Scope and Application
The Meat Inspection Act 1983 is a Commonwealth Act that applies to the inspection of meat intended for human consumption or for use as animal food. The Act applies to New South Wales and extends to other states and territories if a corresponding state or territory act refers the matter to the Commonwealth or adopts the Act, or if the Governor-General issues a proclamation extending the Act to a territory. The Act applies to abattoirs, knackeries, meat processing plants, and animal food processing plants. It also governs the transport of meat across state and territory boundaries and regulates the use of official marks and trade descriptions. The Act applies to the Crown in right of the Commonwealth, states, the Northern Territory, and Norfolk Island, although it does not render the Crown liable to prosecution for an offence. The Act includes provisions for subordinate instruments to modify the application of the Act to different states and territories. Offences under the Act are indictable and can be prosecuted in either a higher or summary court, depending on the circumstances and the consent of the defendant. The Act also provides for the forfeiture of meat found to be in breach of the Act, and it includes provisions for the appointment of authorised officers, the powers of these officers, and the issuance of identity cards. Additionally, the Act contains provisions to protect authorised officers and other persons from liability for acts done in good faith in the exercise of their duties.
Key Provisions
- The Meat Inspection Act 1983 (the Act) regulates the inspection of meat intended for human consumption or use as animal food, including provisions for abattoirs, meat processing plants, knackeries, and animal food processing plants. The regulations, made under the authority of the Act, provide detailed rules on the inspection of meat, the analysis of samples, the imposition of fees and penalties, and the requirement to keep records and furnish returns. They may also include provisions for the application of official marks and trade descriptions, the transport of meat, and the additional powers of authorised officers.
- Under the Act, the Secretary has the authority to appoint authorised officers, issue identity cards, and delegate powers. Authorised officers have extensive powers to enter and inspect premises, seize meat and other items, and require assistance from owners and occupiers. The Act also includes provisions for the protection of authorised officers and other persons, and for the forfeiture of meat found to be in contravention of the Act.
- Breaches of the Act and its regulations can result in criminal and civil penalties. Offences under the Act can be tried summarily or on indictment, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. For example, unauthorised slaughter or destruction of animals, unauthorised bringing of meat into abattoirs or meat processing plants, and contravention of regulations relating to official marks and trade descriptions can all result in fines up to $20,000 and/or imprisonment. Additionally, the supply of goods or services to authorised officers without approval is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment.
- The Act extends to New South Wales, and can be extended to other States and Territories by proclamation. It does not exclude or limit the operation of other laws, and can operate concurrently with other Commonwealth, State, or Territory laws. However, a person cannot be punished more than once for the same act or omission under both this Act and another law.
- Area of Law
- Food Safety Law
- Environmental Law
- Instrument
- Act
- Concepts
- Definitions & Interpretation
- Offence Provisions
- Reporting & Disclosure Obligations
- Enforcement Powers
- Regulatory Standards
- Compliance Obligations
