failing our wildlife - environmental justice australia

1HUMANE SOCIETY INTERNATIONAL

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AUSTRALIAFAILING OUR WILDLIFE ndash WHY VICTORIArsquoS WILDLIFE PROTECTION LAWS NEED TO BE MODERNISED

|ensp envirojusticeorgauensp ||ensp hsiorgauenspensp|ensp envirojusticeorgauensp |

Failing our wildlifeWhy Victoriarsquos wildlife protection laws need to be modernised



ThisenspreportensphasenspbeenensppreparedenspbyenspEnvironmentalenspJusticeenspAustraliaenspforenspHumaneenspSocietyenspInternational

Forenspfurtherenspinformationensponenspthisenspreportensppleaseenspcontact

AlexiaenspWellbeloveenspSeniorenspCampaignenspManagerenspHumaneenspSocietyenspInternationalenspAustraliaenspTensp02ensp9973ensp1728enspEenspadminhsiorgau

DrenspBruceenspLindsayenspSeniorenspLawyerenspEnvironmentalenspJusticeenspAustraliaenspTensp03ensp8341ensp3100enspEenspadminenvirojusticeorgau

AboutenspHumaneenspSocietyenspInternational

Humane Society Internationalensp(HSI)enspisensptheensplargestenspinternationalenspcharityenspworkingenspforenspaenspmoreensphumaneenspandenspsustainableenspworldenspforenspanimalsenspEstablishedenspinenspAustraliaenspinensp1994enspHSIenspworksensptoenspchangeenspgovernmentenspconservationenspandenspanimalenspwelfareensppoliciesenspandensplawenspforensptheenspbetterenspwhileenspstrivingensptoenspenforceensptheenspeffectiveenspimplementationenspofenspthoseensplawsensp

AboutenspEnvironmentalenspJusticeenspAustralia

Environmental Justice Australiaenspisenspaenspnot-for-profitensppublicenspinterestensplegalensppracticeenspFundedenspbyenspdonationsenspandenspindependentenspofenspgovernmentenspandenspcorporateenspfundingenspourensplegalenspteamenspcombinesenspaensppassionenspforenspjusticeenspwithensptechnicalenspexpertiseenspandenspaensppracticalenspunderstandingenspofensptheensplegalenspsystemensptoenspprotectenspourenspenvironment

WeenspactenspasenspadvisersenspandensplegalensprepresentativesensptoensptheenspenvironmentenspmovementensppursuingenspcourtenspcasesensptoenspprotectenspourenspsharedenspenvironmentenspWeenspworkenspwithenspcommunity-basedenspenvironmentenspgroupsenspregionalenspandenspstateenspenvironmentalensporganisationsenspandensplargerenspenvironmentalenspNGOsenspWeenspalsoenspprovideenspstrategicenspandensplegalenspsupportensptoensptheirenspcampaignsensptoenspaddressenspclimateenspchangeenspprotectenspnatureenspandenspdefendensptheensprightsenspofenspcommunitiesensptoenspaensphealthyenspenvironment

WhileenspweenspseekensptoenspgiveensptheenspcommunityenspaensppowerfulenspvoiceenspinenspcourtenspweenspalsoensprecogniseenspthatenspcourtenspcasesenspaloneenspwillenspnotenspbeenspenoughenspThatrsquosenspwhyenspweenspcampaignensptoenspimproveenspourensplegalenspsystemenspWeenspdefendenspexistingensphard-wonenspenvironmentalenspprotectionsenspfromenspattackenspAtensptheenspsameensptimeenspweensppursueenspnewenspandenspinnovativeenspsolutionsensptoenspfillensptheenspgapsenspandenspfixensptheenspfailuresenspinenspourensplegalenspsystemensptoenspclearenspaensppathenspforenspaenspmoreenspjustenspandenspsustainableenspworld

PublisherenspEnvironmentalenspJusticeenspAustraliaenspampenspHumaneenspSocietyenspInternationalenspPublicationenspdateensp11enspDecemberensp2020

ImagesenspHigherenspGroundenspRaptorenspCentreensp(cover)enspIan Suttonensp(pageensp4)enspSteve Bittingerensp(pageensp6)enspenspAlexandrenspBaranovensp(pageensp10ensp)enspTheGirlsNY (pageensp13)enspGabriela Dominguezensp(pageensp16)enspenspN Higginsensp(pageensp17)enspDavid Nielsonensp(pageensp21)enspenspAngusenspEmmottensp(pageensp23)enspBernard Spraggensp(pageensp24)enspMarieenspWynanensp(pageensp25)

Contents

ExecutiveenspSummaryenspensp4

Victoriarsquosenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplawsenspareenspoutenspofenspdateenspandenspneedensptoenspbeenspmodernisedensp5

ThisenspReportensp5

Whyenspweenspneedenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplawsensp6

Victoriarsquosenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplawsenspneedenspreformensp6

TheenspWildlifeenspActensp1975enspensp8

LicensesensppermitsenspauthoritiesenspnoticesenspandenspexemptionsenspinensprelationensptoenspVictoriarsquosenspwildlifeensp10

Protectingensphabitatensp14

Importanceenspofenspindependentenspexpertenspadviceensp16

AnenspindependentenspregulatorenspndashensptheenspOfficeenspofensptheenspConservationenspRegulatorensproleenspinensprelationensptoensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspensp18

Bringingenspwildlifeenspcomplianceenspandenspenforcementenspintoensptheensp21stenspcenturyensp19

Appropriateensppenaltiesenspforenspwildlifeenspcrimeensp22

Respondingensptoenspcrueltyensptoenspwildlifeensp23

CurrentenspreformenspproposalsenspndashenspBillsenspcurrentlyenspbeforeensptheenspVictorianenspParliamentensp24

Conclusionenspensp25





Executive Summary

TheenspchallengesenspfacingenspVictoriarsquosenspnativeenspwildlifeenspareenspimmenseenspOurenspwildlifeenspareenspinensptheenspgun-sightsenspofensprapidlyenspaccumulatingenspextinctionenspandenspclimateenspcrisesenspOurensplawsenspareensphinderingenspandenspenablingensptheenspproblemenspnotenspconfrontingenspitensporenspovercomingenspitensp

TheenspVictorianenspEnvironmentenspMinisterenspannouncedenspaenspreviewenspofensptheenspWildlife Act 1975ensp(Vic)enspinenspearlyensp2020enspThisenspannouncementenspoccursenspinensptheenspcontextenspofenspegregiousenspincidentsenspofensptheenspkillingenspofenspprotectedenspnativeenspwildlifeenspandenspcontroversyenspoverensptheenspeffectivenessenspofensptheenspActensp

TheenspWildlifeenspActensphasenspnotensppreviouslyenspbeenenspreviewedensp

TheenspActenspisensptheenspproductenspofenspincrementalenspad hocenspchangesensptoensplawsenspgoverningenspbothenspnativeenspandenspnon-indigenousenspfaunaenspoverensptheensppastenspcenturyenspItensphasenspitsensporiginsenspinenspveryenspoldensplawsenspgoverningensphuntingenspwithenspconcernsenspoverenspconservationenspandenspcareenspforenspnativeenspspeciesenspbuiltenspintoensptheenspschemeenspsinceensp1975enspGenerallyensptheensplawenspisenspoutdatedenspnotenspdrivenenspbyenspclearensppolicyensporenspscienceenspandenspitsenspadministrationenspisenspmiredenspmoreenspinenspobscurityenspthanenspgoodenspgovernanceensp

Theenspmainenspareasensponenspwhichenspthisenspreportenspfocusesenspare

bullensp whyenspweenspneedenspnewenspwildlifeensplawsenspreflectingenspcontemporaryenspcircumstancesenspattitudesenspandenspknowledge

bullensp theenspmannerenspinenspwhichensptheenspActenspmanagesenspdestructionenspandensplsquotakersquoenspofensplargeenspnumbersenspofenspprotectedenspnativeenspwildlife

bullensp anomaliesenspinensptheenspmeaningenspofensplsquowildlifersquoenspunderensptheenspAct

bullensp ambiguityenspinensptheensplegalenspstatusenspofenspwildlifeenspunderensptheenspAct

bullensp theenspunhelpfulenspstructureenspandensplanguageenspofensptheenspAct

bullensp shortcomingsenspinenspregulatoryensparrangementsenspforenspwildlifeenspandensphabitatenspprotectionenspunderensptheenspAct

bullensp theenspabsenceenspofenspstrongenspscientificenspfoundationsenspandensptransparencyenspinenspdecision-makingensp

bullensp theenspabsenceenspofenspanenspeffectiveenspregulatorenspunderensptheenspActenspand

bullensp outdatedensparrangementsenspforenspsanctionenspandenspcomplianceenspunderensptheenspAct

EstablishingenspaenspclearenspcritiqueenspofensptheenspexistingenspWildlifeenspActenspisenspnecessaryenspinensporderensptoenspmoveensptoenspwhatenspshouldenspreplaceenspitenspincludingenspwhatenspwildlifeensplawenspshouldenspbeenspaimingensptoenspdoenspandensptheenspmeansenspbyenspwhichenspitenspundertakesenspthatensptaskensp



Victoriarsquos wildlife protection laws are out of date and need to be modernised

Onensp3enspMayensp2020ensptheenspVictorianenspEnvironmentenspMinisterensptheenspHonenspLilyenspDrsquoAmbrosioenspannouncedenspaenspreviewenspofensptheenspWildlife Act 1975ensp(lsquoWildlifeenspActrsquo)

TheenspannouncementenspfollowedenspaenspseriesenspofensphighlyensppublicisedenspwildlifeenspprotectionenspcontroversiesenspinensptheenspstateenspwhereensptheenspActenspwasenspfoundenspwantingenspTheenspfailureenspinenspearlyensp2020ensptoenspproceedenspwithenspaenspWildlifeenspActenspprosecutionenspagainstenspaensplandownerenspinvolvedenspinenspkillingensphundredsenspofenspwedge-tailedenspeaglesenspinenspEastenspGippsland1enspshowedenspaensplegislativeenspregimeenspthatenspisenspoutenspofenspstepenspwithenspcommunityenspexpectationsensp

ABCenspNewsenspreportedensptheenspMinisterenspasenspsaying2

A review of the act will be to modernise the act and that includes its penalties regimehellipThat means all of the necessary array of enforcement tools so that when they respond to potential breaches of the Wildlife Act they are able to hold people to account My aim is to have the best wildlife act in the country with all of the necessary penalties available to ensure our wildlife are protected Ultimately I never want to see a repeat of what happened in Victoria two years ago

ThisenspfailureenspfollowsenspsignificantenspcommunityenspconcernenspatensptheenspkillingenspofenspkoalasenspfollowingensptimberenspharvestingenspatenspCapeenspBridgewaterenspinenspSouthenspWestenspVictoriaenspinenspFebruaryensp2020ensp(seeenspCaseenspStudyensp5)3enspElsewhereenspinenspVictoriaenspthereensphaveenspbeenenspmassenspkillingsenspofenspprotectedenspandenspnativeenspbirdsensp(seeenspCaseenspStudyensp1)4enspLicensedensphuntingenspofenspwombatsensphasenspgrownensptoenspthousandsenspperenspyear(seeenspCaseenspStudyensp2)enspincludingenspasenspsportenspforenspwealthyensptouristsenspForensptwenty-fiveenspyearsenspunlicensedenspkillingenspofenspwombatsenspwasenspnotenspevenenspanenspoffenceenspinenspmanyensppartsenspofenspVictoria5

1 SeeKellieLazzarolsquoWedge-taileagledeathspromptreviewofVictorianWildlifeActrsquoABC News4May2020httpswwwabcnetaunews2020-05-04wedge-tailed-eagle-deaths-prompt-review-of-wildlife-act12210956

2 Ibid

3 GrahamReadfearnlsquoKoalaldquomassacrerdquoscoresofanimalsfounddeadorinjuryafterplantationloggingrsquoThe Guardian3February2020httpswwwtheguardiancomenvironment2020feb03koala-massacre-animals-reported-starving-or-dead-after-plantation-logging

4 SimoneFoxKooblsquoEnvironmentMinisterordersfirst-everreviewofWildlifeActaftereagledeathsinvestigationrsquoThe Age3May2020httpswwwtheagecomaunationalvictoriaenvironment-minister-orders-first-ever-review-of-wildlife-act-after-eagle-deaths-investigation-20200503-p54pb2htmlreportingonmasskillingofWedge-TailedEaglesandotherbirdsnearVioletTown

5 JoWilkinsonlsquoWelcometoVictoriathemostwombatunfriendlyStatersquoThe Age6August2019httpswwwtheagecomaunationalvictoria

TheenspreviewenspisenspaenspwelcomeenspandensptimelyenspopportunityensptoensprestoreensptheenspVictorianenspcommunityrsquosenspconfidenceenspthatenspweensphaveensptheenspregulatoryensptoolsenspgovernmentenspcapacityenspresourcesenspandensppoliticalenspwillensptoenspprotectenspnativeenspwildlifeenspinenspaenspmannerenspthatenspmeetsenspcommunityenspexpectationsenspandensptoenspensureenspthatenspitenspcanenspthriveensptodayenspandenspwellenspintoensptheenspfutureensp

AllenspofenspthisenspoccursenspinensptheenspcontextenspofenspanenspacceleratingenspextinctionenspcrisisenspfacingenspourenspnativeenspfaunaenspSinceensp1970enspglobalenspwildlifeensppopulationsensphaveenspcollapsedenspbyensparoundensptwo-thirds6enspTheseenspnumbersenspmayenspevenenspunderstateensptheenspfullenspecologicalenspimpactsenspofenspwildlifeenspdeclineensponceenspecosystemenspdynamicsenspareenspaccountedenspforensp

Whenenspintroducedenspinensp1975ensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspwasenspmostlyenspaenspre-enactmentenspofenspmuchenspearlierenspprovisionsenspcontainedenspinensptheenspGame Act 1958 andensptheenspProtection of Animals Act 1966enspMultipleenspamendmentsensptoensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspsinceensptheensppassageenspofensplegislationenspsuchenspasensptheenspFlora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988ensp(lsquoFFGenspActrsquo) andenspGame Management Authority Act 2014ensphaveenspcontributedensptoenspaenspconfusingenspinterrelationshipenspbetweenenspdifferentensplegislativeenspregimesenspwhileenspleavingenspintactenspaenspbasicensparchitectureenspthatenspreflectsenspmid-20thenspcenturyenspvaluesenspinensprelationensptoenspourenspwildlife

ItenspisensptimeenspforenspreformenspofenspVictoriarsquosenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplawsenspThisenspreportenspsetsenspoutensptheenspcaseenspforensptheenspurgentenspmodernisationenspofenspVictoriarsquosenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplaws

This Report

TheenspEnvironmentenspMinisterensphasenspsignalledenspclearlyensptheenspneedensptoenspoverhaulenspVictoriarsquosenspwildlifeensplegislationenspThisenspreportenspintendsensptoenspcontributeensptoensptheensppublicenspconversationensponensptheenspframingenspofenspreformedensplawsensp

Thisenspreportenspreflectsenspwhatenspweenspseeenspasensptheenspkeyenspproblemsenspwithensptheenspexistingensplegislationensp

Itenspsetsenspoutenspproposedenspresponsesenspandenspsolutionsenspasenspanenspinitialenspcontributionensptoensptheenspreviewenspthatenspweenspwouldenspanticipateenspwillenspbeensppartenspofenspaenspmoreenspfulsomeenspandensprobustenspcontributionenspinenspdueenspcourseensp

welcome-to-victoria-the-most-wombat-unfriendly-state-20190806-p52eaxhtml

6 MikiPerkinslsquoldquoAwake-upcallrdquoworldwildlifepopulationsinheavydeclinereportfindsrsquoSydney Morning Herald10September2020httpswwwsmhcomauenvironmentconservationa-wake-up-call-world-wildlife-populations-in-heavy-decline-20200910-p55u93htmlWWFLiving Planet Report(2020)httpsfhubspotusercontent20nethubfs4783129LPRPDFsENGLISH-FULLpdf



Why we need wildlife protection laws

WildlifeenspprotectionensplawsenspreflectensptheenspvalueenspthatensptheenspcommunityenspplacesensponenspwildenspanimalsenspEffectiveenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplawsenspalongenspwithensplawsensppreventingenspanimalenspcrueltyenspgiveenspeffectensptoenspcontemporaryenspcommunityenspvaluesenspforenspourenspwildlifeenspandensptheensptreatmentenspofenspanimalsensp

WildlifeenspprotectionensplawsenspensureenspthatenspallenspwildlifeenspisenspprotectedenspfromenspunnecessaryenspharmenspandenspthatenspanyenspactionsensptoenspcareenspforenspcontrolensporenspexploitenspwildlifeenspareenspappropriatelyenspmanagedenspTheseensplawsenspareenspcomplementaryensptoenspotherensplawsenspthatenspprotectenspthreatenedenspspeciesensp(suchenspasensptheenspFFGenspAct)enspandenspnaturalenspplacesenspandenspecosystemsensp

WildlifeenspprotectionensplawsenspalsoenspplayenspanenspimportantensproleenspsupportingenspculturalenspvaluesenspandensppracticesenspofenspindigenousenspAustraliansensp

Victoriarsquos wildlife protection laws need reform

WildlifeenspprotectionenspinenspVictoriaenspisenspenactedenspthroughensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspandenspaenspconfusingenspmixenspofenspotherensplawsenspTheseensplawsenspareenspoutenspofenspdateenspandenspdoenspnotenspmeetenspcurrentenspcommunityenspexpectationsensp

ProblemsenspwithenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplawsenspinenspVictoriaenspincludeensp

bullensp theenspcentralensppieceenspofensplegislationensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspreflectsenspoutdatedenspthinkingensponensptheenspvaluesenspthatenspshouldenspbeenspprotectedenspbyenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplaws

bullensp theyenspreflectenspoutdatedenspnotionsenspthatensponeenspofensptheenspmainensppurposesenspofenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplawsenspisensptheenspprotectionenspofenspwildlifeenspasenspgameenspspecies

bullensp theyensppre-dateenspVictoriarsquosenspthreatenedenspspeciesensplegislationensptheenspFFGenspActenspandenspareensppoorlyenspintegratedenspwithenspthisensplegislation

bullensp theirensplackenspofenspclearenspandenspeffectiveenspprotectionenspforenspnativeenspwildlifeensphabitatensp

bullensp authoritiesensplicencesensppermitsenspandenspexemptionsenspthatenspallowensptheenspharmingenspofenspwildlifeenspunderenspVictorianensplegislationensplackenspclarityenspandenspaccountabilityenspandenspareenspnotenspinformedenspbyenspaenspclearenspoverallenspstatementenspofenspobjectives

bullensp penaltiesenspforenspwildlifeenspcrimeensphaveenspnotenspbeenenspreviewedenspandenspupdatedenspforenspmanyenspyearsenspandensptheensplsquoregulatoryensptoolkitrsquoensptoenspsupportenspcomplianceenspwithenspandenspenforcementenspofenspVictorianenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplawsenspisenspoutenspofenspdateenspandenspmissingenspimportantensppowersenspandenspoptionsenspavailableenspunderenspotherensplawsenspandensp

bullensp thereenspisenspnoenspindependentenspstatutoryenspregulatorenspresponsibleenspforenspadministeringenspVictoriarsquosenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplaws

Allenspofensptheseenspfactorsenspleadensptoenspanenspunsatisfactoryensplevelenspofensplegalenspprotectionenspforenspwildlife

TheseenspissuesenspexplainenspwhyenspasenspdemonstratedenspinensptheenspcaseenspstudiesenspoutlinedenspinenspthisenspreportenspVictoriarsquosensplawsenspareenspfailingensptoenspprotectenspVictoriarsquosenspwildlifeenspandenspwhyenspreviewenspandenspreformenspisensprequired

CASE STUDY 1 EAST GIPPSLAND EAGLES

Inensp2018ensptheenspVictorianenspenvironmentenspdepartmentensplaunchedenspanenspinvestigationenspafterensphundredsenspofenspdeadenspwedge-tailedenspeaglesenspwereenspfoundensponenspaensppropertyenspinenspEastenspGippslandenspThisenspledensptoenspinvestigatorsensplayingenspchargesenspagainstenspaenspfarmenspworkerenspunderensptheenspWildlifeenspAct

AsenspaenspconsequenceenspofensptheenspinvestigationenspandenspsubsequentenspprosecutionensptheensponlyenspeverenspcustodialenspsentenceenspforensptheenspdestructionenspofenspwildlifeenspinenspVictoriaenspwasenspgivenensptoensptheenspfarmenspworkerenspwhoensppleadedenspguiltyensptoenspkillingensp406enspprotectedenspwedge-tailedenspeaglesenspoverensp18enspmonthsenspHeenspwasenspfinedensp$2500ensp(justensp$615enspperenspeagle)enspandenspsentencedensptoensp14enspdaysenspinenspprisonenspndashensptheenspfirstenspeverenspjailensptermenspforenspanenspoffenceenspunderensptheenspActensp

WhilstenspbeingenspunderensphisenspemployerrsquosenspinstructionenspwasenspaenspfactorenspinenspsentencingenspprosecutionenspofensptheensplandownerenspforenspoffencesenspunderensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspdidenspnotenspproceedenspdespiteenspevidenceenspofensphisenspinvolvementenspinensptheensppoisoningenspofensptheenspeaglesensp7

Theenspreasonenspforensptheenspchargesenspnotenspproceedingensphasenspnotenspbeenenspclearlyenspexplained

FollowingensptheenspfailedenspprosecutionenspagainstensptheensplandownerenspVictorianenspEnvironmentenspMinisterenspLilyenspDrsquoAmbrosioensphasenspcommittedensptoenspaenspreviewenspofensptheenspWildlifeenspAct

lsquoCases like these where our native animals are killed in this way rightly appal Victorians and they appal mersquo she said

lsquoThe government has pursued all penalties for the parties available under existing legislation and I have ordered a review of the Wildlife Act to look at how it can be strengthenedrsquo8

TheenspWildlifeenspActensppermitsenspdestructionenspandensplsquotakersquoenspofenspthousandsenspofenspnativeenspanimalsenspeveryenspyear

TheenspWildlifeenspActenspnotensponlyenspfailsensptoenspprotectenspVictoriarsquosenspnativeenspwildlifeenspfromenspillegalenspactionsenspitenspalsoenspprovidesensptheensplegalenspframeworkenspforenspenablingenspandenspregulatingenspharmensptoenspthousandsenspofenspnativeenspanimalsenspeveryenspyearenspthroughensptheenspissuingenspofenspauthorisationsenspandensptheenspapprovalenspofenspplansenspwhichenspauthoriseenspharmensptoenspwildlifeenspExemptionsenspalsoenspleaveenspsomeenspspeciesenspofenspwildlifeenspunprotectedensp

7 SimoneFoxKooblsquordquoBloodywelldonerdquotextandemailsrevealschemetopoisoneaglesrsquoTheAge14November2019httpswwwtheagecomaunationalvictoriabloody-well-done-texts-and-emails-reveal-scheme-to-poison-eagles-20190917-p52s0zhtml

8 SimoneFoxKooblsquoEnvironmentMinisterordersfirst-everreviewofWildlifeActaftereagledeathsinvestigationrsquohttpswwwtheagecomaunationalvictoriaenvironment-minister-orders-first-ever-review-of-wildlife-act-after-eagle-deaths-investigation-20200503-p54pb2html

AuthoritiesensptoenspControlenspWildlife

TheenspgovernmentenspissuesenspAuthoritiesensptoenspControlenspWildlifeensp(lsquoATCWsrsquo)enspwhichenspharmenspthousandsenspofenspnativeenspanimalsenspinenspVictoriaenspeachenspyearenspincludingenspthreatenedenspspeciesenspForenspexample

bullensp inensp2019enspaloneensp3441enspATCWsenspwereenspissuedenspauthorisingenspdestructionensporenspharmensptoensp185286enspanimalsenspincludingensp966enspemusensp3655enspwombatsensp3152enspravensensp6919ensplittleenspcorellasenspandensp4570enspsulphur-crestedenspcockatoos9ensp

bullensp ThreatenedenspspeciesenspareenspnotenspsparedenspfromenspATCWsenspndashenspinensp2019enspATCWsenspwereenspissuedensptoenspcontrolensp6604enspthreatenedenspgrey-headedenspflyingenspfoxesenspaenspspeciesensplistedenspasenspthreatenedenspunderenspVictorianenspandenspnationalenspthreatenedenspspeciesensplaws10ensp

bullensp theensp2020enspquotaenspforenspkangarooenspharvestingenspisensp60500enspanimalsensphoweverensptheenspexpectedensptotalenspofenspanimalsenspauthorisedensptoenspbeenspkilledenspwhenenspATCWsenspareenspincludedenspasenspwellenspisensp137800enspanenspadditionalensp77300enspanimalsensptoensptheenspharvestenspindustryensptake11

Unprotectionensporders

UntilenspitenspwasensprevokedenspinenspFebruaryensp2020enspanensplsquounprotectionensporderrsquoenspthatensporiginatedenspfromensp1984enspprovidedenspanenspexemptionenspfromenspneedingenspapprovalensptoenspkillenspwombatsenspinenspsomeenspcircumstancesenspinenspmanyenspareasenspofenspVictoria12ensplsquoUnprotectionenspordersrsquo13enspremainensponensptheenspbooksenspforenspotherenspspeciesenspofenspVictorianenspwildlifeensp-enspbrushtailensppossumsenspdingoesensplongenspbilledenspcorellasenspsulphur-crestedenspcockatoosenspandenspgalahsensp

AlthoughenspanenspunprotectionensporderenspnoensplongerenspappliesensptoenspwombatsenspseveralenspthousandenspACTWsenspinensprelationensptoenspwombatsenspwereenspgrantedenspevenenspwhenensptheenspunprotectionensporderenspwasenspinenspinenspplaceenspThisenspsituationenspisensplikelyensptoenspcontinueenspandenspauthorisationsensptoenspkillenspwombatsenspmay even increaseenspfollowingensptheenspFebruaryensp2020enspchange

Aenspmodernenspapproach

ItenspisenspimportantenspthatensptheenspVictorianenspcommunityenspcanenspbeenspconfidentenspthatensptheensplegalenspframeworkenspforenspauthorisingenspharmensptoenspwildlifeenspisenspupensptoenspdateenspandenspdecisionsenspareenspsupportedenspbyenspevidenceenspmadeensptransparentlyenspandenspsubjectensptoenspappropriateensplevelsenspofenspaccountabilityensp

MoreenspimportantlyenspitenspisenspimperativeenspthatensptheensplegalenspregimeenspgoverningenspnativeenspwildlifeenspembodiesenspaensppowerfulenspprescriptionenspforenspitsenspprotectionenspandensprecoveryenspwithinenspaenspframeworkenspofenspecosystemensphealthenspInenspourenspcurrentenspcircumstancesenspweenspneedenspourenspwildlifeensplawensptoenspbeenspanenspunequivocalenspantidoteensptoenspextinctionenspandenspecologicalenspcrisisensp

9 DELWPAuthority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) Data(2020)httpswwwwildlifevicgovau__dataassetspdf_file0025477214ATCW-Data_annual-data-2009-2019pdf

10 Ibid

11 Seehttpagriculturevicgovauagriculturefarm-managementkangaroo-harvesting-program

12 VictoriaGovernmentVictoria Government GazetteNo841August19842740

13 lsquoUnprotectionordersrsquoareordersmadeunderWildlife Act 1975(Vic)s7A



The Wildlife Act 1975

Objectivesenspandensppurposes

WildlifeenspprotectionenspinenspVictoriaenspoperatesenspunderenspaenspconfusingensplegalenspmachineryenspcentredensponensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspPreciselyenspwhatensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspisenspintendedensptoenspachieveenspisenspunclearenspTheenspActenspitselfenspisenspabsentenspofenspobjectivesenspandenspitensphasenspbeenensptheenspsubjectenspofenspmultipleenspamendmentsenspoverensptimeenspCyclesenspofenspamendmentensphaveenspcreatedenspanenspassortmentenspofensplegislativeenspprovisionsenspwithoutenspaenspcoherentenspframeworkensporensprealenspcentralensppurposeenspMostenspcontemporaryensplegislationenspcontainsenspexpressenspobjectivesenspinensporderensptoenspguideenspwhatenspstatutoryenspprovisionsenspareenspintendedensptoenspachieveensp

Objectives that are clear and consistent are a fundamental element of a good regulatory framework14

TheenspWildlifeenspActenspcontainsenspstatedensppurposesenspwhichenspprovideenspanenspoperationalenspfocus

TheensppurposeenspofensptheenspActenspisenspdescribedenspinenspsectionensp1A

(a) to establish procedures in order to promote ndash

(i) the protection and conservation of wildlife and

(ii) the prevention of taxa of wildlife from becoming extinct and

(iii) the sustainable use of and access to wildlife and

(b) to prohibit and regulate the conduct of persons engaged in activities concerning or related to wildlife

TheseensppurposesenspwouldenspsuggestensptheenspintentionenspofensptheenspActenspisenspprimarilyenspwildlifeenspconservationenspalbeitenspcombinedenspwithenspformsenspofenspresourceenspexploitationenspSomeenspfeaturesenspofensptheenspActenspsupportenspthatenspnotionenspsuchenspasenspwildlifeenspreservesenspandenspprotectedenspstatusensptoenspnativeenspwildlifeenspOtherenspelementsenspareenspnotenspsoenspclearlyenspalignedenspwithenspthatenspconservationenspfocusenspsuchenspasenspprotectionenspofenspcertainenspferalenspspeciesenspregulationenspofenspwildlifeenspcareenspandensplsquotakersquoenspofenspnativeenspwildlifeenspAdditionallyensptheensppurposesenspofensptheenspActenspdoenspnotenspappearensptoenspalignenspclearlyenspwithenspparallelensplawsenspsuchenspasensptheenspFFGenspActensporenspevidenceenspaenspcoherentensporenspjustifiableenspbasisenspinenspconservationensp

policyensporensptheoryensp

14 VictorianCompetitionandEfficiencyCommissionA Sustainable Future for Victoria Getting Environmental Regulation Right Final report (2009)28

lsquoWildlifersquo

lsquoWildlifersquoenspisenspdefinedenspinenspsectionensp3enspofensptheenspActenspTheenspdefinitionenspincludesenspindigenousenspvertebrateenspanimalsenspasenspwellenspasenspnon-nativeenspanimalsenspsuchenspasensplsquoallenspkindsenspofenspdeerenspnon-indigenousenspquailensppheasantsenspandensppartridgesrsquoenspandenspterrestrialenspinvertebratesensplistedenspasenspthreatenedenspunderensptheenspFFGenspActenspTheenspdefinitionenspextendsensptoenspwildlifeenspkeptenspandenspbredenspinenspcaptivity

TheenspWildlifeenspActenspincludesenspaenspspecificenspdefinitionenspofensplsquothreatenedenspwildlifersquoenspwhichenspisenspwildlifeenspprotectedenspunderensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspthatenspisenspalsoensplistedenspasensplsquothreatenedrsquoenspunderensptheenspFFGenspActensp15enspTheenspFFGenspActenspdoesenspnotenspitselfenspprovideenspanyenspdirectenspprotectionensptoenspthreatenedenspwildlifeenspndashenspthisenspisenspcoveredenspbyensptheenspWildlifeenspAct

TheenspWildlifeenspActenspdoesenspnotenspapplyensptoensplsquofishrsquoenspwithinensptheenspmeaningenspofensptheenspFisheries Act 1995

WhatensptheenspActenspcovers

TheenspWildlifeenspActenspcontainsenspanenspassortmentenspofenspregulationsensprelatingensptoenspwildlifeenspasenspdefinedenspunderensptheenspActenspTheenspActrsquosenspcoverageenspreflectsensptheenspadensphocenspdevelopmentenspofensptheensplegislationenspoverensptime

Activitiesenspcoveredenspinclude

bullensp WildlifeenspandenspNatureenspReservesenspandenspWildlifeenspManagementenspCooperativeenspAreasenspandenspSanctuaries

bullensp TourenspOperatorenspLicencesenspforenspWildlifeenspReserves

bullensp theenspgrantingenspofensplicensesenspandenspauthoritiesensptoensptakeensporenspdestroyenspwildlifeenspandensptoensplsquobuyenspsellenspacquireenspreceiveenspdisposeenspofenspkeepensppossessenspcontrolenspbreedenspprocessensporenspdisplayenspwildlifersquoensp(discussedenspfurtherenspbelow)

bullensp aensprangeenspofenspoffencesensprelatedensptoensptheensptakingenspdestroyingensporensphuntingenspofenspwildlife

bullensp protectionenspofenspwhales

bullensp protectionenspofenspsealsenspand

bullensp provisionsensprelatingensptoenspenforcement

RegulationsenspcreatedenspunderensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspareenspasenspfollows

bull Wildlife Regulations 2013

bull Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012

bull Wildlife (Marine Mammals) Regulations 2019

bull Wildlife (State Game Reserve) Regulations 2014 and

bull Wildlife (Tour Operators Fee) Regulations 2011

TheenspWildlifeenspRegulationsensp2013enspcontainenspimportenspregulationsenspcovering

bullensp wildlifeensplicencesenspand

bullensp offencesensprelatingensptoensptheensptakingenspofenspwildlifeenspandensptheenspdamageenspdisturbanceenspandenspdestructionenspofenspwildlifeensphabitat

15 Thethreatenedlistisprovidedforbysection10oftheFlora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988



WildlifeenspprotectionenspinenspVictoriaenspndashensptheenspconfusingenspassemblageenspofensplaws

AsensptheenspdiagramenspbelowenspillustratesenspthereenspisenspaenspconfusingensprangeenspofensplegislationenspthatenspregulatesensptheenspprotectionenspofenspwildlifeenspinenspVictoriaenspThisenspincludesensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspandenspregulationsenspunderenspthatenspActenspandenspalsoenspotherenspstateenspandenspcommonwealthensplegislation

ThisenspmixenspofensplawsenspunderminesenspeffectiveenspwildlifeenspprotectionenspinenspVictoria

bullensp threatenedenspplantsenspandenspfishenspspeciesenspinenspVictoriaenspareenspprotectedenspunderenspVictoriarsquosenspthreatenedenspspeciesensplegislationensptheenspFFGenspActenspHoweverenspthreatenedenspwildlifeenspreliesensponenspoutenspofenspdateenspandenspinadequateenspprotectionenspunderensptheenspWildlifeenspAct

bullensp non-nativeenspandenspsometimesenspdestructiveenspferalenspspeciesenspsuchenspasenspdeerenspareenspdefinedenspasensplsquowildlifersquoenspunderensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspand

bullensp wildlifeenspareenspnotenspprotectedenspunderenspVictoriarsquosenspanimalenspcrueltyensplegislationensptheenspPrevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986

TheenspstructureenspandensplanguageenspofensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspisenspoutdatedenspandenspunhelpfulenspItenspisenspnotenspdraftedenspinenspaccordanceenspwithenspcontemporaryenspstandardsenspofensplegislativeenspdraftingenspandensprepeatedenspamendmentsenspsinceenspitenspwasenspintroducedenspinensp1975enspcompoundensptheenspproblemenspTheensplackenspofenspclarityensphindersenspunderstandingenspofensplegalensprequirementsenspbyenspthoseenspregulatedenspbyensptheenspActenspandenspunderminesenspeffectiveenspcomplianceenspandenspenforcementenspbyensptheenspregulator

DEWLP Wildlife protection policy Exemptions

Wildlife Act 1975 Protected wildlife Authorities to Control

Wildlife Licenses and permits Protection of whales and

seals

Prevention of Cruelty to Animas Act 1986 Animal cruelty

provisions where Wildlife Act does not apply

Research permits in relation to wildlife

Game Management Act 2014 Hunting licenses Hunting restrictions Kangaroo harvestingEnvironment Protection

and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Nationally listed

threatened and migratory species

Wildlife trade

Wildlife regulations Penalties Habitat protection

Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 Biodiversity

conservation objectives Threatened species Critical habitat and

Habitat Conservation Ordersrsquo

Biodiversity strategy

Office of the Conservation Regulator Compliance and

enforcement Licensing and

permits

Department of Environment Land

Water and PlanningEnvironment

Minister

Department of Jobs Precincts and RegionsMinster for Agriculture

Game Management Authority Hunting regulation Kangaroo harvesting

Commonwealth Department of

Agriculture Water and the Environment

The complex legal framework for wildlife

protection

FIGURE 1 LEGISLATIVE AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR WILDLIFE PROTECTION IN VICTORIA



Licenses permits authorities notices and exemptions in relation to Victoriarsquos wildlife

TheenspWildlifeenspActenspisenspanenspimportantensplegalenspframeworkenspforenspmanagingensptheenspinteractionenspbetweenensppeopleenspandenspwildlifeenspinenspVictoriaenspActivitiesenspregulatedenspunderensptheenspActenspinclude

bullensp commercialenspwildlifeensplicencesenspcoveringenspbusinessesenspandenspactivitiesenspsuchenspasenspsellingenspwildlifeensptransportingenspandenspdemonstratingenspwildlifeensptaxidermyenspandenspzoos

bullensp privateenspWildlifeenspLicencesenspthatenspallowenspwildlifeensptoenspbeenspkeptenspasensppetsenspandenspotherensprelatedenspactivities

bullensp WildlifeenspAuthorisationsenspunderenspsectionensp28AenspofensptheenspActenspincluding

o theenspcontrolenspofenspwildlifeenspbecauseensptheenspwildlifeenspisenspdamagingenspbuildingsenspcropsensporenspotherensppropertyensp(discussedenspfurtherenspbelow)

o managementenspconservationenspandenspprotectionenspofenspwildlifeenspandenspwildlifeenspresearch

o Aboriginalenspculturalensppurposes

o healthenspandenspsafety

o lsquosupportingenspaensprecognisedenspwildlifeenspplanrsquo

o enablingensptheenspcareensptreatmentensporensprehabilitationenspofenspsickenspinjuredensporensporphanedenspwildlifeenspand

o marineensptourensppermitsenspandenspcetaceanensppermits

Sectionensp28AenspAuthorityensptoenspControlenspWildlife

Sectionensp28AenspofensptheenspWildlifeenspAct allowsenspanenspauthorisationensptoenspbeenspissuedenspforensptheenspdestructionensporenspdisturbanceenspofenspwildlifeenspndashenspanenspAuthorityensptoenspControlenspWildlifeensp(lsquoATCWrsquo)ensp

Asenspnotedenspaboveenspinensp2019ensptheenspDepartmentenspofenspEnvironmentenspLandenspWaterenspandenspPlanningensp(lsquoDELWPrsquo)enspissuedensp3441enspATCWsenspinensprelationensptoenspnativeenspanimalsenspinenspVictoriaenspinensp2019enspauthorisingenspdestructionensporenspharmensptoenspaenspstaggeringensp185286enspanimalsenspincludingensp6604enspthreatenedenspgrey-headedenspflying-foxesensp

NoenspreturnsenspareenspsubmittedenspreportingensponenspactivityenspunderensptheseenspauthoritiesenspsoenspthereenspisenspnoenspdataensponensptheenspimpactensponenspwildlifeenspofenspthisenspATCWenspsystemenspAenspsystemenspwasensppreviouslyenspinenspplaceensptoenspcollectenspthisenspinformationensphoweverensplsquothisensprequirementenspwasenspremovedenspinensptheenspearlyensp2000sensptoenspreduceenspadministrativeenspburdenrsquo16enspBasicenspinformationenspsuchenspasenspwhetherensptheenspcontrolenspwasenspcarriedenspoutenspbyenspdisturbanceensporenspotherenspharmensporenspbyenspkillingenspisenspnotenspcollected

NoenspindependentenspauditingensporenspreviewenspofensptheenspsystemenspisenspundertakenenspDELWPenspdoesenspnotensppublishenspanyenspinformationenspaboutensptheirenspmonitoringenspofenspcomplianceensporenspenforcementenspactionenspNoenspinformationenspisensppubliclyenspavailableensponensptheenspnumberenspofenspprosecutionsenspforenspoffencesenspinensprelationensptoenspATCWs17ensp

16 DELWPThe Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) System Review Consultation Response Summary(2018)httpsengagevicgovauatcwreview11

17 Therewere11prosecutionsintotalundertheWildlifeActin2017seeEveKellylsquoVictoriaisdefinitelynottheplacetobeifyouareabirdorakangaroorsquo3May2019AustralianWildlifeProtectionCouncilhttps



ItenspisenspimpossibleensptoenspknowensphowenspaccuratelyensptheensppublishedenspATCWensppermitenspdataensprepresentsensptheensptrueenspextentenspofenspwildlifeenspcontrolenspactivityenspinenspVictoriaenspandenspwhetherenspapplicationsenspforenspATCWsenspareenspeverensprejectedenspisenspunclear18

InenspessenceensptheenspactualenspextentenspandenspquantumenspofenspharmensporenspdestructionenspofenspwildlifeenspinenspVictoriaenspisenspnotenspofficiallyenspknownenspTheenspsystemenspforenspauthorisedensplsquotakersquoensporenspdestructionenspcontainsensplittleenspaccountabilityenspRegulatedensplsquotakersquoenspandenspdestructionenspisensplargelyenspopaqueenspandensplacksensptransparencyensp

ThisenspATCWenspsystemenspisenspaenspcontentiousenspareaenspunderenspVictoriarsquosenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplawsenspInenspAprilensp2018ensptheenspDepartmentenspinitiatedenspaenspreviewenspofensptheenspATCWenspsystemenspnotingenspthat

lsquothere are very polarised views about the ATCW system in the community which is understandable given the diverse make-up of the Victorian community and that the system allows the lethal control of animals in certain circumstances

The aim of the review is to develop stakeholder informed recommendations on how to improve the ATCW system so that it sensibly balances the needs of Victoriarsquos human and wildlife populationsrsquo19

Theenspoutcomeenspofensptheenspreviewensphasenspnotenspbeenenspreleased

AccordingensptoensptheenspDepartmentrsquosenspsummaryenspofensptheenspsubmissionsensptoensptheenspreview20enspthemesenspemergingenspfromensptheenspsubmissionsenspwere

bullensp theenspneedenspforenspaenspstrongenspevidenceenspbaseensptoenspsupportensptheenspissuingenspofenspauthorisations

bullensp aenspneedensptoensplsquostreamlineenspprocessesenspwhileenspmaintainingensprigorousenspoversightrsquo

bullensp better-resourcedenspmonitoringenspandenspcomplianceenspand

bullensp greaterensptransparencyenspandenspavailabilityenspofenspinformation

TheenspOfficeenspofensptheenspConservationenspRegulatorensp(lsquoOCRrsquo)enspisenspnowenspassumingenspresponsibilityenspforensptheenspATCWenspsystemenspandenspisenspconsideringenspchangesensptoensptheenspwayensptheenspsystemenspisenspadministeredenspThisensppresentsenspanenspopportunityensptoenspimproveensptheenspadministrationenspofensptheenspexistingensplegislationenspwithinensptheenspframeworkenspofensptheenspcurrentenspActenspndashensplongenspoverdueenspbutenspinsufficientensptoenspaddressenspallenspofensptheenspproblemsenspwithenspVictoriarsquosenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplaws

awpcorgauvictoria-is-definitely-not-the-place-to-be-if-you-are-a-bird-or-a-kangaroo

18 AccordingtoinformationpublishedtheAustralianWildlifeProtectionCounciltheDepartmenthasadvisedlsquoOurcurrentpermitdatabasedoesnothavethefunctiontoabletoproduceareportonthisAnewdatabaseiscurrentlybeingdevelopedwhichwilladdressthislimitationrsquoibid

19 DELWPThe Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) System Review Discussion Paper(2018)5

20 DELWPThe Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) System Review Consultation Response Summary(2018)

Sectionensp7Aenspndashenspunprotectedenspwildlife

Inenspadditionensptoenspissuingenspauthoritiesensptoenspcontrolenspwildlifeenspunderenspsectionensp28AenspofensptheenspWildlifeenspActensptheenspActenspalsoenspprovidesenspforenspwildlifeensptoenspbeenspdeclaredensplsquounprotectedrsquoenspeffectivelyenspremovingenspanyenspprotectionenspforensptheenspspeciesenspunderensptheenspActenspsubjectensptoenspconditionsensplimitationsensporenspgeographicenspapplicationenspsetenspoutenspinenspanensporderenspmakingensptheenspdeclarationenspInenspsuchenspcircumstancesenspcoveredenspbyensptheensporderenspkillingensporensplsquotakersquoenspofenspwildlifeenspisenspnotenspunlawfulensp

Thisenspsectionenspwasenspintroducedenspinensp1980enspbecauseenspitenspwasenspclaimedenspthatensptheenspsystemenspofenspissuingenspauthorisationsensptoensptakeenspdestroyensporenspdisturbenspwildlifeenspwasensplsquoinflexiblersquo21

SignificantlyenspthisenspsystemenspofenspunprotectingenspwildlifeenspoperatesenspbyenspGovernorenspinenspCouncilensporderensponensptheensprecommendationenspofensptheenspEnvironmentenspMinisterenspTheenspresultenspisenspthatensptheenspsystemenspofenspissuingenspordersensplacksensptransparencyenspAbsentensplsquosun-settingrsquoenspprovisionsensporenspsimilarenspmechanismsenspordersensponceenspissuedensphaveensptendedensptoenspremainensponensptheenspbooksenspwithoutenspbeingenspreviewed

Sectionensp28AenspofensptheenspActenspwhichenspcoversensptheenspissueenspofenspATCWsenspatenspleastenspcontainsenspsomeenspcriteriaenspthatenspmustenspbeenspsatisfiedenspbeforeenspanenspATCWenspisenspissuedenspAccordingensptoensptheenspVictorianenspSupremeenspCourtensplsquotheensplegislatureensphasenspinsertedenspsafeguardsenspintoenspsensp28Aensptoenspensureenspthatensptheensppowerensptoenspgrantenspanenspauthorisationenspisenspwiselyenspusedenspandenspcarefullyenspcontrolledrsquo22

Inenspcontrastenspsectionensp7AenspdoesenspnotenspcontainenspanyenspcriteriaenspthatensplimitensporenspguideensptheenspmakingenspofenspunprotectionenspordersenspotherenspthanenspthatenspitensplsquoappearsrsquoensptoensptheenspMinisterenspthatensptheenspwildlifeenspisenspcausingenspinjuryensporenspdamageensptoensppropertyenspcropsensporenspotherenspanimalsenspThereenspisenspnoensprequirementenspinenspsectionensp7AensporenspelsewhereenspinensptheenspActenspthatenspanenspunprotectionensporderenspbeenspinformedenspbyenspscientificenspevidenceenspletenspaloneenspanyensprequirementenspthatenspsuchenspevidenceenspsupportensptheenspcontinuationenspofensptheseensporders

21 Wildlife (Amendment) Act 1980 VictoriaParliamentary Debates LegislativeCouncil19November19802991

22 Australian Society for Kangaroos Inc v Secretary Department of Environment Land Water and Planning (No 2) [2018]VSC407(27July2018)[65]



TheensplsquounprotectedrsquoenspstatusenspofenspwombatsenspwasensphighlightedenspwhenenspstoriesenspemergedenspreportingensptheenspshootingenspofenspwombatsenspforensprecreationenspbyenspwealthyensptouristsenspinenspsomeenspareasenspofenspVictoria23

WombatsenspareenspaenspveryenspfamiliarenspandenspiconicenspAustralianenspmarsupialenspspeciesenspTheirenspcareenspandenspprotectionenspisenspstronglyenspsupportedenspbyensptheenspcommunityenspMoreenspthanenspthisenspalongenspwithenspotherenspdiggingenspmarsupialsenspwombatsenspareenspaensplsquokeystonersquoenspspeciesenspinenspAustralianenspecosystemsenspndashensptheyenspoccupyenspaenspcrucialenspnicheenspinensphealthyenspecosystemsenspbyenspcontributingensptoensptheenspproductivityenspfertilityenspandenspfunctionenspofenspforestsenspwoodlandsenspandenspotherenspecosystems24ensp

ItenspbecameenspclearenspthatenspdespiteenspVictorianenspcommunityenspexpectationsenspwombatsenspwereenspnotenspprotectedenspunderensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspinenspaensprangeenspofenspcircumstancesenspandenspareasenspaenspsituationenspthatenspdatedenspbackensptoenspunprotectionenspordersenspgazettedenspinensp1984

23 JoWilkinsonlsquoWelcometoVictoriathemostwombatun-friendlyStatersquoThe Age6August2019httpswwwtheagecomaunationalvictoriawelcome-to-victoria-the-most-wombat-unfriendly-state-20190806-p52eaxhtml

24 PredergastlsquoAustraliarsquoslostdiggersrsquo(2014)51Wildlife Australia126

AfterensporderingenspaenspreviewensptheenspEnvironmentenspMinisterensphasenspnowenspremovedensptheenspunprotectionensporderenspforenspwombatsenspAsenspwithenspotherenspwildlifeensptheirenspkillingenspcanenspstillenspbeenspauthorisedenspthroughenspanenspATCW

lsquoUnprotectionrsquoenspordersenspremainenspinenspplaceenspforenspotherenspspeciesenspofenspnativeenspwildlifeenspndashenspbrushtailensppossumsenspdingoesensplong-billedenspcorellasenspsulphur-crestedenspcockatoosenspandenspgalahs

TheenspuseenspofensplsquounprotectionrsquoenspordersenspalongsideenspcontinuedenspwidespreadenspuseenspofenspauthorisationsensptoenspkillensporensptakeenspwildlifeenspisenspevidenceenspofenspconservationenspandenspprotectionensppurposesenspofensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspbeingenspmoreensphonouredenspinensptheenspbreachenspthanensptheenspobservanceenspThisenspcharacterisationenspisenspreinforcedenspbyensptheenspgeneralenspabsenceenspofenspanyenspalignmentenspofenspthisensppermissiveenspapproachenspwithenspconservationenspplanningensporenspevenenspseriousenspconsiderationenspofenspecologicalenspissuesensp

FIGURE 2 lsquoUNPROTECTIONrsquo ORDER FOR WOMBATS AND CERTAIN OTHER SPECIES VICTORIAN

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE

CASE STUDY 2 UNPROTECTED WOMBATS



Aenspfoundationalenspquestionenspunansweredenspisenspwildlifeenspproperty

UnderensptheenspWildlifeenspActensplsquowildlifersquoenspwithinensptheenspscopeenspofensptheenspdefinitionenspofenspthatensptermenspacquiresenspvariousenspformsenspofensplegalenspstatusenspdependingensponensptheirenspclassificationenspunderensptheenspActenspAsenspnotedenspwildlifeenspcanenspforenspexampleenspbeensplsquoprotectedenspwildlifersquoensplsquothreatenedenspwildlifersquoensporensplsquounprotectedenspwildlifersquoenspTheseenspschemaenspofenspclassificationenspdoenspnotenspresolveenspaenspmoreenspbasicenspquestionenspofensptheensplegalenspstatusenspofenspwildlifeensptheenspanswerensptoenspwhichenspisensprelevantensptoensptheensppolicyenspofensptheenspActenspisenspwildlifeensppropertyenspIfenspsoenspwhoseensppropertyenspandenspwhatensprightsenspandenspinterestsenspdoesenspthatenspvestenspIfenspnotenspwhatenspstatusenspdoesenspwildlifeensphaveenspinensplaw

InenspotherenspjurisdictionsenspitenspisenspexpresslyenspprovidedenspinensplawenspthatenspnativeenspwildlifeenspunlessensplawfullyensptakenensporenspusedenspisensptheensppropertyenspofensptheenspCrown25enspThisenspstatusenspisenspnotenspsetenspoutenspinensptheenspWildlifeenspAct

TheenspimportanceenspofenspthisenspissueenspisenspthatenspitensphasenspconsequencesenspforensptheensprightsenspinterestsenspandenspobligationsenspofensptheenspCrownenspinensprelationensptoenspwildlifeenspInensplawensppropertyenspcomprisesenspaensplsquobundleenspofensprightsrsquoenspandensptheseenspvaryenspaccordingensptoensptheenspspecificensppropertyenspinterestenspatenspissueenspTheenspHighenspCourtensphasenspheldenspthatensptheenspnatureenspofensppropertyenspinenspnativeenspwildlifeenspisenspdistinctive26enspItenspmayenspgiveenspriseensptoenspregulatoryensporenspsupervisingensprightsenspbutenspitenspisenspnotensptheenspsameenspasensplsquoabsolutersquoenspownershipenspPropertyenspinenspnativeenspwildlifeenspintersectsenspwithensptheirenspexistenceenspinenspnaturalenspecosystemsenspbyenspwhichenspitenspisenspaensplsquopublicenspgoodrsquoensp

25 Nature Conservation Act 1992(Q)s83Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016(NSW)s218

26 Yanner v Eaton(1999)201CLR351[10]-[31]

orensppartenspofensptheensplegalensplsquocommonsrsquoensp(res communes)27

ThisensppropositionenspalsoensphasenspconsequencesenspforensptheensptheoryenspandensppolicyenspofensptheensplawenspthatenspunderpinsenspregulationenspofenspwildlifeenspIfenspfundamentallyenspwildlifeenspisensptoenspbeenspmanagedenspasenspaensppublicensporenspcommonensplsquogoodrsquoenspthisenspindicatesenspobligationsensptoenspconserveenspwildlife28enspAtenspaenspminimumenspwildlifeensplawenspneedsenspaenspclearenspconservationensppolicyensptoenspguideenspitenspArguablyenspthatensppolicyenspneedsensptoenspaccountenspforensptheensppresentenspratesenspofensplossenspextinctionenspandenspthreatensptoenspwildlifeenspandensphowensptheensplawenspshouldenspbeensparrestingenspandensprespondingensptoenspthoseensppressuresenspWithoutenspdoingenspsoenspitenspisenspnotenspclearensptheenspCrownenspisensppreservingenspproperlyensptheenspwildlifeensplsquoestatersquoenspwithenspwhichenspitenspisenspentrusted

ItenspisensppossibleensptoenspproposeenspalternativelyenspthatenspwildlifeenspisenspnotensppropertyenspatenspallenspForenspexampleenspitensphasenspbeenensparguedenspthatensptheensplawenspshouldensprecogniseenspinherentensprightsenspinenspwildlifeensp(wildlifeenspandenspnatureenspasensplegalenspsubjects)ensp

RegardlessenspofensptheenspspecificensppolicyenspunderpinningensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspitenspisensparguableenspthatenspthereenspshouldenspbeensponeenspthatenspisensprobustenspwell-reasonedenspandenspjustifiableenspThisenspoutcomeenspwouldensphelpenspclarifyenspwhatensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspisenspseekingensptoenspdoenspandensphowenspitsenspvariousenspconstituentensppartsenspasenspwellenspasenspotherenspconnectedensplegislationenspserveensporenspdoenspnotenspserveenspthatenspoutcomeensp

27 YannervEaton(1999)201CLR351[29]citingPoundAn Introduction to the Philosophy of Law(1954)111

28 ThelegalapproachtocontrolandrightsoverwildlifesuggestedherereflectiveofthestatementsofthepluralityinYanner v EatonopentheprospectthattherelationshipoftheCrowntonativewildlifeisoneofpublictrusteeshipThatisanapproachwell-establishedinUSlawbutfarlesssettledinAustralianlaw



Wildlifeenspregulationenspneedsensptoenspbeenspimprovedensp

AsensptheenspsubmissionsensptoensptheenspreviewenspofensptheenspACTWenspschemeenspindicateensptheenspsystemenspforenspauthorisationsensppermissionsenspandensplicencesenspasenspwellenspasenspexemptionsenspunderensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspneedsensptoenspupdatedenspandenspimproved29enspPriorityenspreformsenspneedensptoenspoccurenspatenspmultipleensplevelsenspby

bullensp addingenspclearenspoverarchingenspobjectivesensptoensptheensplegislationensptoenspguideenspallenspdecision-making

bullensp clarifyingensptheensppolicyenspbasisenspofensptheenspActenspincludingenspwhetherenspwildlifeenspisensppropertyenspofensptheenspCrownenspwhatenspthatenspmeansenspandensphowenspitenspintersectsenspwithenspkeyenspprinciplesenspofenspenvironmentalenspandenspnaturalenspresourcesensplaw

bullensp includingenspcriteriaensptoenspguideenspdecision-makingenspinensprelationensptoenspspecificensppermissionensplicencesenspandenspauthorisationsenspsoensptheenspbasisenspforenspdecision-makingenspisenspclearenspandenspaccountable

bullensp addingenspdutiesensptoenspimplementenspgoodenspregulatoryensppracticesenspincludingenspndash

o systematicenspcollectionenspandensppublicationenspofenspdataenspinensprelationensptoensplicencesenspandensppermitsenspissuedenspandensprefusedenspincludingenspitsensproutineensppublication

o systematicenspindependentenspauditingenspandenspassessmentenspofenspregulatedenspformsenspofensplsquotakersquoenspunderenspauthorisationenspandenspotherenspapprovals

o aenspmonitoringenspandenspcomplianceenspprogram

o effectiveenspinvestigationenspandenspprosecutionenspofenspoffencesensptoenspaensplevelenspthatenspwillenspcreateenspaenspdeterrentensptoenspillegalenspbehaviour

bullensp developingenspmechanismsensptoenspensureenspthatensplicencesensppermitsenspauthorisationsenspexemptionsenspandenspcodesenspofensppracticeenspareenspinformedenspbyensptheenspbestenspavailableenspconservationenspandenspanimalenspwelfareenspscience

bullensp providingenspmeritsenspreviewenspofenspdecisionsensptoenspissueenspauthorisationsenspandenspanyenspotherenspapprovalsenspforensplsquotakersquoenspofenspwildlife

bullensp providingenspavenuesenspforenspthird-partyenspcivilenspenforcementenspunderensptheenspActenspandenspanyensplegalenspinstrumentenspimplementedenspunderenspitensp

Theenspneedenspforenspanenspindependentenspregulatorenspisenspdiscussedenspbelow

While some of the procedures established under the Wildlife Act appear to be being used by DSE it was extremely difficult to locate information and decisions made under this Act Often the only means by which to access key information ndash such as declarations of State Wildlife Reserves State Game Reserves Nature Reserves and unprotected wildlife ndash was through extensive and time-consuming searches of the Government Gazette EDO considers that this information should be more readily accessible to the public

FromWherersquos the Guarantee Implementation and enforcement of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and Wildlife Act 1975publishedenspbyenspEnvironmentenspDefendersenspOfficeensp(Victoria)enspinenspMarchensp2012

29 DELWPThe Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) System Review Consultation Response Summary (2018)

Protecting habitat

TheenspWildlifeenspAct seeksensptoenspprotectenspwildlifeenspbyenspprohibitingensptheenspunauthorisedensphuntingensptakingenspandenspdestructionenspofenspindividualenspanimalsenspInenspmanyenspcasesensphoweverensptheenspbiggestenspthreatensptoenspwildlifeenspisensptheenspharmenspcausedenspbyenspactionsenspimpactingenspwildlifeensphabitat

CurrentlyenspwildlifeensphabitatensplacksenspclearenspandenspunambiguousenspprotectionenspunderenspVictoriarsquosenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplawsensp

TheenspWildlifeenspActenspitselfenspdoesenspnotenspcontainenspanyenspprovisionsensptoenspprotectensptheensphabitatenspofenspprotectedenspwildlifeenspSectionensp87(1)enspofensptheenspActenspdoesenspprovideenspforensptheenspmakingenspofenspregulationsensptoenspprotectensphabitatenspandenspRegulationensp42(1)enspofensptheenspWildlife Regulations 2013enspmakesenspitenspanenspoffenceensptoenspdamageenspdisturbensporenspdestroyenspanyenspwildlifeensphabitatenspHoweverensptheenspkeyensptermensplsquohabitatrsquoenspisenspnotenspdefinedenspinensptheenspActensporensptheenspregulationsenspandensptheenspextentenspofensptheenspprotectionenspaffordedenspbyensptheenspregulationsenspisenspunclearensponensppaperenspandenspunder-utilisedenspinensppractice

Evenensptheensphabitatenspofenspthreatenedenspwildlifeenspndashenspwildlifeenspdesignatedenspasenspatenspriskenspofenspextinctionenspunderenspthreatenedenspspeciesensplawsensp-enspisenspnotenspdirectlyenspprotectedenspunderenspVictoriarsquosenspthreatenedenspspeciesensplawenspTheenspFFGenspActenspappliesenspinensplimitedenspcircumstancesenspUnderensptheenspFFGenspActenspimportantenspthreatenedenspspeciesensphabitatenspmay beenspdeclaredensplsquocriticalensphabitatrsquoenspunderenspsectionensp20enspofensptheenspActenspandenspthatenspcriticalensphabitatenspmay thenenspbeenspprotectedenspfromenspthreatenedenspharmenspusingenspaenspHabitatenspConservationenspOrderensporenspotherenspdevicesenspunderensptheenspFFGenspActensplsquoCriticalensphabitatrsquoenspisenspdefinedenspunderensptheensp(reformed)enspFFGenspActensp

TheensplimitationsenspofensptheenspFFGenspAct meanenspthatenspitenspisenspallensptheenspmoreenspimportantenspthatensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspeffectivelyenspprotectsenspwildlifeensphabitatenspwhetherensptheenspwildlifeenspisensplistedenspasenspthreatenedensporenspnot

ProtectionenspofensptheensphabitatenspofenspnativeenspfaunaenspcanenspandenspdoesenspoccurenspthroughensptheenspmanagementenspofensppublicensplandsenspestablishedenspasensplsquoStateenspwildlifeenspreservesrsquoensporensplsquonatureenspreservesrsquoenspunderenspPartenspIIenspofensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspUnderensptheseenspprovisionsensplsquowildlifeenspreservesrsquoenspareensptoenspbeenspmanagedenspforensptheensplsquopropagationrsquoenspofenspwildlifeenspwildlifeensphabitatensppreservationensporensppurposesenspsetenspoutenspunderensptheenspCrown Land (Reserves) Act 1978enspVariousensptypesenspofenspactivitiesenspareensppermissibleenspinenspreservesenspsuchenspasensphuntingenspandensptouristenspoperationsenspinenspwhichenspcaseenspthereenspareensppotentiallyenspconflictingenspusesensptoensptheseenspreservesenspRecommendationsensponensppublicensplandenspclassificationenspinensp2017enspsoughtensptoenspclarifyensptheensppurposesenspandenspappropriateenspactivitiesenspforenspreservesenspfunctioningenspunderensptheenspWildlifeenspAct30enspThoseensprecommendationsenspneedensptoenspbeenspconsideredenspcloselyenspinenspreformsensptoensptheenspActensp

30 VEACStatewide Assessment of Public Land Final Report(2017)httpwwwveacvicgovaudocumentsFinal20reportpdf

CASE STUDY 3 HOODED PLOVERndash BIRDLIFE AUSTRALIA



HoodedenspPloversenspareensplistedenspasenspthreatenedenspunderenspVictoriarsquosenspFFGenspActenspandensplsquovulnerablersquoenspunderensptheenspnationalenspenvironmentalenspprotectionensplawensptheenspEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999ensp

ProtectionenspofenspbeachenspnestingensphabitatenspisenspcriticalenspinensptheenspconservationenspeffortsenspforensptheenspHoodedenspPloverenspSitesenspcouldenspoccurenspanywhereenspinenspsuitableenspbeachensphabitatenspalongenspVictoriarsquosenspcoastlineenspWhereenspPloversenspnestenspinenspareasenspsubjectensptoenspdisturbanceenspnestingensphabitatenspisenspprotectedenspinensppracticeenspfromensphumansenspandenspdogsenspusingensptemporaryenspsignageenspcoupledenspwithenspropeenspfencesensp(andenspinenspsomeenspareasenspthroughenspwardeningenspeffortsenspofenspvolunteersensporenspcouncilenspandensprangerensppatrols)

ProtectionenspofenspthisenspimportantensphabitatenspisenspmadeenspharderenspbyensptheensplackenspofensplegalenspsupportenspfromenspVictoriarsquosenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplawsenspAccordingensptoenspDrenspGrainneenspMaguireenspwhoenspleadsenspBirdlifeenspAustraliarsquosenspHoodedenspPloverensprecoveryenspeffortsensptheenspDepartmentensphasenspadvisedenspthatenspitenspisenspdifficultensptoenspuseenspWildlifeenspActenspmeasuresensptoenspprotectensptheenspareaenspinsideensptheenspnestingenspPloverrsquosenspprotectiveenspzonesensp(definedenspbyenspsignageenspandenspropeenspbarriers)31enspFurthermoreenspdifficultiesenspwithenspprovingenspintentenspmeanenspthatensptheenspoffencesenspunderensptheenspActenspforenspdisturbingenspnestingenspbirdsenspandenspchicksenspareenspnotenspeffectiveenspatensppreventingensptheenspharmenspcausedenspbyenspdisturbanceenspbyensphumansenspandenspdogs

Managementenspofensptheenspthreatenspfromenspdogsenspisenspforcedensptoensprelyensponensplocalenspgovernmentenspdogenspcontrolenspby-lawsenspwhichenspvaryenspfromenspcouncilensptoenspcouncilenspandenspareenspvulnerableensptoenspchangeenspandensppossiblyenspsubjectensptoenspsporadicenspenforcementensp

31 GrainneMaguire(perscomm)

HoodedenspPloverensprecoveryenspeffortsenspareensphavingenspresultsenspinenspspiteenspofensptheseenspchallengesenspandenspweaknessesenspinensptheensplawenspWhileenspmostenspbeachenspusersensprespondensptoenspeducationenspandenspinformationenspandenspdoensptheensprightenspthingenspenforcementenspbecomesenspcriticalensptoensptheenspeffectivenessenspofenspmanagementenspinterventionsenspinenspcasesenspwhereensppeopleensprefuseensptoenspcooperateensp

RecoveryenspofenspHoodedenspPloverensppopulationsenspraisesensptheenspperverseenspprospectenspthatensponeenspdayensptheyenspmayenspnoensplongerenspqualifyenspforensptheirenspcurrentenspthreatenedenspspeciesenspdesignationenspmakingenspprotectionenspofensptheirensphabitatenspevenenspmoreenspdifficultenspforenspaenspspeciesenspwhichenspwillensprelyensponenspmanagementenspinterventionsenspforenspsuccessfulenspbreedingenspinensptoensptheensplongensptermensp

ThisenspprospectenspindicatesenspaenspcompellingenspneedensptoenspconsiderensphowensphabitatenspprotectionenspunderensptheenspWildlifeenspActensporenspotherensplegislationenspsuchenspasensptheenspFFGenspActenspnotensponlyenspstabilisesenspextinctionenspriskenspbutenspactivelyenspandenspprogrammaticallyenspcontributesensptoensprecoveryenspforenspspeciesenspsuchenspasensptheenspHoodedenspPloverenspRecentenspreformsensptoensptheenspFFGenspActenspdoenspprovideenspsomeenspguidanceensphereenspinensptheenspincorporationenspofenspaenspnewenspbiodiversityenspobjectiveenspforenspVictoria

lsquoto prevent taxa and communities of flora and fauna from becoming threatened and to recover threatened taxa and communities so their conservation status improveshelliprsquo32

StrongerenspmoreenspeffectiveenspprotectionenspofenspwildlifeensphabitatenspwouldenspbeenspaenspgreatensphelpensptoensptheenspHoodedenspPloverenspandenspotherenspVictorianenspwildlifeenspvulnerableensptoensphabitatenspdisturbance

32 Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988(Vic)subs4(b)



Importance of independent expert advice

WildlifendashhumanenspinteractionsenspcanenspbeenspcontroversialenspItenspisenspimportantenspthatenspdecisionsenspareenspinformedenspbyenspsoundenspadviceenspandensprelevantenspexpertiseenspwithinensptheenspregulatorenspandenspalsoenspwhereenspappropriateenspindependentenspadviceensp

TheenspDepartmentensputilisesenspexpertensppanelsensptoenspprovideenspadviceensponensptheenspadministrationenspofenspsomeenspaspectsenspofensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspForenspexample

bullensp theenspTranslocationenspEvaluationenspPanelenspprovidesenspexpertenspadviceensponenspproposalsensptoensptranslocateenspthreatenedenspfauna33enspand

bullensp anensplsquoIndependentenspPanelenspofenspExpertsrsquoenspisenspaskedensptoenspreviewenspandenspadviseensponenspsomeenspcomplexenspATCWenspapplicationsensporenspwildlifeenspmanagementenspmattersenspTheensprecommendationsenspbyensptheenspPanelenspareenspnonbindingenspmeaningenspthatensptheenspDepartmentenspwillenspconsiderenspPanelensprecommendationsenspwhenenspmakingenspaenspdecisionenspaboutenspanenspATCWenspapplicationensporenspissueenspbutenspisenspnotenspboundenspbyenspthemenspPanelenspmembersensphaveenspexpertiseenspinenspaensprangeenspofenspareasenspincludingenspwildlifeenspmanagementenspanimalenspwelfareenspveterinaryenspscienceenspplanningenspandenspcommunityenspengagementenspandensppublicensppolicy34

Drawingensponenspindependentenspexpertenspadviceenspisenspsoundensppracticeenspandenspshouldenspimproveensptheenspqualityenspofenspdecision-makingenspunderensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspHoweverenspthereenspisenspnoenspprovisionenspinensptheenspActenspformallyenspestablishingenspanyenspadvisoryenspbodiesensporenspexpertensppanelsenspWhenensptheenspDepartmentenspdoesenspconsultenspthemenspimportantenspmattersensplikeensptheirenspmembershipenspandensptheenspmethodenspofenspappointmentenspqualificationsenspandenspexpertiseenspandensproleenspandenspfunctionsenspareenspunclearenspInenspcontrastenspotherensplegislationenspdoesenspspecificallyenspprovideenspforensptheseenspmattersenspndashenspseeenspforenspexampleenspsectionensp8enspofensptheenspFFGenspActenspwhichenspestablishesensptheenspScientificenspAdvisoryenspCommitteeensp

33 DELWPlsquoTranslocationofwildlifersquohttpswwwwildlifevicgovaumanaging-wildlifetranslocation-of-wildlifeandDELWPProcedure statement for translocation of threatened native fauna in Victoria(2019)httpswwwwildlifevicgovau__dataassetspdf_file002427375Procedure-Statement-for-the-Translocation-of-Threatened-Native-Fauna-in-Victoria-April-2019pdf


CASE STUDY 4 THE DINGO

Definitionalenspissuesenspsurroundingensptheensppotentialenspforenspdingoesensptoenspinterbreedenspwithenspdomesticenspdogsenspasenspwellenspasensptheirenspabilityensptoensptakeensplivestockensphaveenspledensptoenspaenspcomplexenspmanagementenspsituationenspthatenspisenspharmingensptheenspthreatenedenspspecies

ThereenspisenspcurrentlyenspaensplegislativeenspconflictenspinenspVictoriaenspwithenspdingoesensprecognisedenspasenspthreatenedenspwildlifeenspunderensptheenspFFGenspActenspwhileensplsquowildenspdogsrsquoenspandenspdingo-dogensphybridsenspareenspdeclaredenspestablishedensppestsenspunderensptheenspCatchment and Land Protection Act 1994enspThisenspisenspdespiteenspdingoesensplsquowildenspdogsrsquoenspandenspdingo-dogensphybridsenspbeingenspvisuallyenspindistinguishable

InenspanenspattemptensptoenspaddressenspthisenspconflictensptheenspVictorianenspGovernmentensppublishedenspanenspOrderenspInenspCouncilenspdeclaringenspdingoesensptoenspbeenspunprotectedensponenspallenspprivateensplandenspandensponensppublicensplandenspwithinenspaensp3kmenspboundaryenspofenspprivateenspland35enspHoweverensptheenspfocusenspofenspthisensplsquosolutionrsquoenspwasensptoenspprotectensplandholdersenspfromenspcommittingenspoffencesenspbyenspunintentionallyenspkillingenspdingoesenspratherenspthanensptoenspbetterenspprotectenspdingoesenspasenspaenspthreatenedenspspecies

Thisenspleavesensptheensplegalenspstatusenspofensptheenspdingoenspas

bullensp listedenspasenspthreatenedenspunderensptheenspFlora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988

bullensp includedenspasenspaensppestenspspeciesenspunderensptheenspCatchment and Land Protection Act 1994 withenspallenspCanis spenspand

bullensp unprotectedenspunderenspsectionensp7AenspofensptheenspWildlife Act 1975

Onenspprivateensplandenspandensponensppublicensplandenspwithinensptheenspdesignatedenspareasenspdingoesenspcanenspbeensptrappedensppoisonedenspandenspshot

35 VictorianGovernmentVictorian Government GazetteNoG3927September20182100



TheenspmanagementenspofenspkoalaensppopulationsenspinhabitingenspblueenspgumenspplantationsensphasenspprovedenspaenspdifficultenspandenspcontentiousenspissueenspinenspVictoriaenspTheenspWildlifeenspActensphasenspprovedenspinadequateensptoenspmanageensptheenspissue

Followingenspseveralenspincidentsenspwhereenspkoalasenspwereenspkilledensporenspharmedenspduringenspblueenspgumenspplanationenspharvestingenspoperationsenspinenspsouth-westenspVictoriaensptheenspDepartmentenspoversawensptheenspdevelopmentenspbyenspindustryenspofenspvoluntaryenspguidelinesensptoenspmanageensptheenspproblemenspTheenspguidelinesenspwereenspsubsequentlyenspreplacedenspbyenspnewenspminimumenspstandardsenspdevelopedenspbyensptheenspDepartmentenspPlantationenspmanagersenspdevelopenspKoalaenspManagementenspPlansenspthatenspaddressensptheenspmandatoryenspminimumensprequirementsenspsetenspbyensptheenspstandardsenspTheenspManagementenspPlansenspthenenspformensptheenspbasisenspforensptheenspgrantingenspofenspauthorisationsensptoenspdisturbenspkoalasenspunderenspsectionensp28A(1A)enspofensptheenspWildlifeenspActensp

DespiteensptheseenspdevelopmentsenspproblemsenspcontinueensptoenspariseenspandenspinenspFebruaryensp2020enspdozensenspofenspkoalasenspwereenspfoundenspdeadensporenspinjuredenspatenspaensptimberenspplantationenspatenspCapeenspBridgewaterenspInvestigationsenspbyensptheenspOCRenspintoensptheenspincidentenspareenspcontinuing

lsquoVictoriarsquos Environment Minister has described the deaths of at least 40 koalas at a blue gum plantation in the statersquos south-west as lsquoa crimersquo vowing to bring to account those responsible

Lily DrsquoAmbrosio said she was lsquoangryrsquo about the deaths adding that she expected many more than 40 animals to die as a result of the incident

lsquoWhat Irsquom hellip deadly serious about is bringing to account every single person who is responsible for this devastationrsquo she said

lsquoIt is a crime it is cruel And it should not be allowed to be gotten away withrsquo

Officers from the Department of Environment (DOE) were at the timber plantation near Cape Bridgewater this morningrsquo 36

36 ABCNewslsquoKoaladeathsinVictorianbluegumplantationldquoacrimerdquoEnvironmentMinisterLilyDrsquoAmbrosiosaysrsquohttpswwwabcnetaunews2020-02-03koala-deaths-at-blue-gum-plantation-in-victoria-a-crime11923120

CASE STUDY 5 KOALAS AND PLANTATIONS



An independent regulator ndash the Office of the Conservation Regulator role in relation to the Wildlife Act

ThereenspisenspnoenspprovisionenspinensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspforenspanenspindependentenspregulatorenspchargedenspwithenspresponsibilityensptoenspadministerensptheenspActenspandensptoenspenforceenspitsenspprovisionsenspResponsibilityenspforensptheenspActenspgenerallyenspfallsensptoensptheenspEnvironmentenspMinisterenspandenspitenspisenspadministeredenspbyensptheenspenvironmentenspdepartmentenspcurrentlyenspDELWP

AnenspexceptionensptoenspthisenspstructureenspareenspprovisionsenspinensptheenspWildlifeenspActensprelatingensptoensphuntingenspTheseenspareenspadministeredenspbyenspanenspindependentenspstatutoryenspauthorityensptheenspGameenspManagementenspAuthorityenspestablishedenspbyensptheenspGame Management Authority Act 2014enspReflectiveenspofensptheenspinternalensptensionsenspwithinensptheenspWildlifeenspActensptheseenspintersectingenspfunctionsenspwithensplsquogameenspmanagementrsquoenspareenspinenspeffectenspintendedensptoenspregulateensplsquogameensphuntingrsquoenspasenspaenspspecificenspformenspofensplsquotakersquoensp

Inenspearlyensp2019enspfollowingenspaenspdamningenspindependentenspreviewenspofensptheenspDepartmentrsquosenspadministrationenspofensptimberenspharvestingenspregulationensptheenspVictorianenspgovernmentenspmovedensptoenspestablishensptheenspOCRenspledenspbyensptheenspChiefenspConservationenspRegulator

TheenspOCRenspnowensphasenspresponsibilityenspforenspaensprangeenspofenspenvironmentalenspregulationsenspinenspVictoriaenspincludingensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspandensptheenspFFGenspActensp

TheenspOCRensphasenspbegunenspdevelopingensppoliciesenspandenspguidanceenspforenspadministrationenspandenspenforcementenspofenspVictorianenspenvironmentalenspregulationsenspincludingenspwildlifeenspprotectionenspregulations

ThisenspoutcomeenspisenspaensppositiveenspdevelopmentenspthatenspshouldenspimproveensptheensptransparencyenspandenspeffectivenessenspofensptheenspadministrationenspofenspVictorianenspenvironmentalenspregulationsenspHoweverenspaenspsignificantenspshortcomingenspofensptheenspOCRenspisenspthatenspunlikeensptheenspGameenspManagementenspAuthorityenspitensplacksenspaensplegislativeenspbasisenspandenspstatutoryenspindependenceenspItenspfunctionsenspasenspanenspadministrativeenspunitenspwithinensptheenspDepartmentenspThisenspstatusensplimitsenspifenspnotenspunderminesensptheenspOCRrsquosensplegalenspandenspapparentenspindependenceenspforenspexampleensptheenspOCRenspisenspvulnerableensptoenspfutureenspchangesenspinensppolicy

PublicensptrustenspandenspconfidenceenspinensptheenspadministrationenspofenspVictoriarsquosenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplawsensprequiresenspaenspwell-resourcedenspregulatorenspthatenspisenspindependentenspofenspgovernment

lsquoGood governance is fundamental for an organisation to perform effectively For a regulator governance arrangements also need to ensure integrity of regulatory decisions accountability and transparency to support public confidence

The importance quite properly attached to the EPArsquos independence requires that it be formally established as an independent statutory authorityhellip lsquo37

TheenspimportanceenspofenspanenspindependentenspregulatorensptoenspcommunityensptrustenspandenspconfidenceensphasensprecentlyenspbeenenspemphasisedenspinensptheenspInterimenspReportenspofensptheenspIndependentenspReviewenspofensptheensp

37 MinisterialAdvisoryCommitteeIndependent inquiry into the Environment Protection Authority(2016)xv

CommonwealthenspEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

lsquoAn independent compliance and enforcement regulator that is not subject to actual or implied direction from the Commonwealth Minister should be established The regulator should be responsible for monitoring compliance enforcement monitoring and assurance It should be properly resourced and have available to it a full toolkit of powersrsquo38

ItenspisenspworthensprecallingenspthatenspestablishmentenspofensptheenspOCRenspfollowedenspaensphighlyenspcriticalenspreviewenspofensptheenspDepartmentrsquosenspeffectivenessenspasenspaenspregulatorenspinensprelationensptoensptimberenspharvestingenspcarriedenspoutenspbyenspanotherenspstatutoryenspentityenspVicForestsensp

SinceensptheensptimberenspharvestingenspreviewensptheensproleenspofensptheenspOCRensphasenspevolvedenspandenspitensphasenspbeenenspallocatedenspresponsibilityenspforenspaenspgrowingenspdomainenspofenspregulatoryenspoversightenspandenspcomplianceenspnotensponlyensptheenspDepartmentrsquosensptimberenspharvestingenspregulatoryenspfunctionsenspbutenspalsoenspforenspoverensp20enspotherenspimportantenspVictorianensplawsenspThisenspspectrumenspofenspregulatoryenspresponsibilityenspincludesensptheenspWildlifeenspActensp

ItenspisensptimeensptoenspestablishenspaenspclearensplegislativeenspfoundationsenspandenspremitenspforensptheenspConservationenspRegulatorensptoenspensureenspthatensptheenspOCRenspcanenspcarryenspoutenspitsensproleenspindependentlyenspandenspeffectivelyenspguidedenspbyenspaenspmodernensplegislativeenspframework

38 SamuelIndependent Review of the EPBC Act ndash Interim Report (DepartmentofAgricultureWaterandtheEnvironment2020)1595



Bringing wildlife compliance and enforcement into the 21st century

ModernisingenspVictorianenspwildlifeenspprotectionenspenforcementenspregulations

AenspcomparisonenspbetweenenspfeaturesenspofensptheenspmodernisedenspEnvironment Protection Act 2017enspandensptheenspolderenspenvironmentenspprotectionenspActsensphighlightsensphowenspurgentlyenspthoseenspActsenspneedensptoenspbeenspmodernisedensptoenspreachenspbestensppracticeenspinenspwildlifeenspprotection

WILDLIFE ACT 1975 ndash PROTECTED WILDLIFE

FLORA AND FAUNA GUARANTEE ACT - PROTECTED FLORA

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION ACT 2017

Independentenspregulatorenspunderensplegislation Nopartial Nopartial Yes

Preventativeenspapproach No Partial Yes

Strategicenspapproachensp No Yes Yes

Penaltiesenspcommensurateenspwithenspseriousnessenspofenspoffencesenspandenspalignedenspwithenspcommunityenspexpectations

No Yes Inensppart

Accountabilityenspndashensptransparencyenspandenspreportingensprequirementsenspthirdensppartyenspenforcement

No No Yes

Fullenspsuiteenspofensppowersenspavailableensptoenspregulator

bullensp Investigation

bullensp Rightsenspofenspentryenspandenspinspection

bullensp Strictenspliabilityenspoffences

bullensp Provisionsensptoensprespondensptoensporganisedenspcriminalenspactivity

Someenspbutenspnotenspall Someenspbutenspnotenspallensp Yes

Enforcementenspoptions

bullensp Infringementensporensppenaltyenspnotices

bullensp Aggravatedenspoffences

bullensp Enforceableenspundertakings

bullensp Civilensppenaltyenspprovisions

bullensp Restorativeenspjusticeenspprovisions

bullensp Remediationenspprovisions

bullensp Thirdensppartyensprole

No Mostlyenspnot Yes



Anenspindependentenspregulator

TheenspimportanceenspofenspanenspindependentenspregulatorenspisenspdiscussedenspaboveenspInenspshortenspeffectiveenspenvironmentalenspmanagementensprequiresenspanenspindependentenspregulatorenspsupportedenspbyensplegislationenspandenspwithenspclearenspsufficientenspandenspresponsiveensppowersenspinensporderensptoenspimplementensptheensppolicyenspandenspintentionsenspofensptheenspActensp

Preventativeenspapproach

RecentenspreformsensptoenspVictoriarsquosensppollutionenspcontrolensplawsensptheenspEnvironment Protection Act 2017ensphaveenspintroducedenspaenspgeneralenspdutyensptoensptakeenspreasonableenspstepsensptoenspavoidensppollutingenspThisenspreflectsenspanenspemphasisensponensppreventingenspenvironmentalenspharmenspratherenspthanenspsimplyenspadministeringenspsanctionsenspafterenspharmensphasenspoccurredenspDutyenspholdersenspmustensptakeenspreasonablyensppracticableenspstepsensptoenspavoidenspharmenspoccurringenspinensptheenspfirstenspplace

Theensp2019enspreformsensptoensptheenspFFGenspActensphaveenspintroducedenspaenspnewenspdutyensponensppublicenspauthoritiesensptoenspgiveenspproperenspconsiderationensptoenspbiodiversityenspconservationenspobjectivesenspinenspallenspofensptheirenspactivities

Theseenspduty-basedenspapproachesenspcanenspplayenspanenspimportantensproleenspinenspencouragingenspindividualsenspbusinessesenspandenspgovernmentenspagenciesensptoenspconsiderensptheenspimpactenspofensptheirenspoperationsenspplanningenspandenspdecision-makingensponensptheenspenvironmentalenspvaluesenspprotectedenspreducingensptheensppressureensponenspmoreensptraditionalenspcompliance-basedenspapproachesenspcontainedenspinenspenvironmentalenspregulation

Dutyenspbasedenspapproachesensptoenspregulationenspandenspdecisionenspmakingenspalsoenspallowensptheensprequiredenspstandardsensptoenspshiftenspincrementallyenspasensptechnologyenspcostsenspriskenspandenspcommunityenspexpectationsenspdevelop

Strategicenspapproach

AenspstrategicenspapproachensptoenspenvironmentalenspregulationenspinvolvesenspapplyingenspaensptransparentenspstrategicenspframeworkensptoenspdecisionsenspThisenspapproachenspincludesenspdecisionsensprelatingensptoenspcomplianceenspandenspenforcementenspactionenspprioritisingenspregulatoryenspactivityenspinenspareasenspthatenspmatterensptheenspmostensp

Penaltiesenspthatenspreflectensptheenspseriousnessenspofenspoffencesenspandenspalignenspwithenspcommunityenspexpectations

CurrentensppenaltiesenspunderensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspandenspcomparableenspoffencesenspunderenspotherensplegislationenspareenspdiscussedenspbelow

Accountabilityensp

AsenspnotedenspaboveenspinensprelationensptoensptheenspsystemenspofensplicencesenspauthorisationsenspandensppermissionsenspunderensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspveryensplittleenspinformationenspisenspcurrentlyensppublishedenspbyensptheenspDepartmentensponensptheenspadministrationenspofensptheenspActenspFurthermoreenspveryensplittleenspinformationenspseemsensproutinelyensptoenspbeenspproducedenspgeneratedenspandensppublishedenspinenspanticipationenspofenspdecision-makingenspunderensptheenspActenspRequiringensppreparationenspandorenspreleaseenspofenspsuchenspinformationenspwouldenspprovideenspaenspclearerensppictureenspofensphowensptheenspActenspisenspadministeredenspandenspenforcedenspandenspwouldenspimproveensptheenspaccountabilityenspforensptheenspexerciseenspofensppowersenspandenspresponsibilitiesenspunderensptheenspAct

Permittingenspthirdensppartyenspenforcementenspwouldenspprovideenspaenspfall-backenspmechanismensptoenspensureenspthatensptheenspActenspdoesenspnotenspgoenspunenforcedenspifensptheenspregulatorenspfailsensptoenspexerciseenspitsenspresponsibilitiesenspTheenspthirdensppartyenspenforcementenspmechanismenspcontainedenspinensptheensp

Environment Protection Act 2017enspprovidesenspaenspgoodenspmodel39enspThirdensppartyenspenvironmentalenspenforcementenspisenspaenspcommonplaceenspmechanismenspinenspotherenspjurisdictionsensp


Recentenspreformsensptoenspenvironmentalensplegislationenspdemonstrateensptheensppowersenspandenspregulatoryensptoolsenspthatenspareenspnecessaryenspforenspregulatorsensptoenspbeenspeffective


AensprangeenspofenspenforcementenspoptionsenspallowsenspregulatorsensptoensptakeenspaenspstrategicenspapproachensptoenspcomplianceenspandensptoenspinterventionenspintendedensptoenspinfluenceensptheenspbehavioursenspofenspindividualsenspcompaniesensporensppublicensporenspprivateenspinstitutionsenspOutcomesenspareenspbetterenspwhenenspregulatorsenspcanenspdrawensponenspaensprangeenspofenspoffencesensppenaltiesenspandenspmechanismsenspforenspsecuringenspcomplianceenspandenspremedyingenspharmenspcausedenspandenspdirectensptheseenspinenspaensppurposefulenspwayensptowardenspthoseenspthatenspareensptheenspsubjectenspofenspregulationensp

39 SeeEnvironment Protection Amendment Act 2018(Vic)s7enactingamendmentstotheEnvironment Protection Act 1970 (Vic)toinsertanews309underwhichanlsquoeligiblepersonrsquomayapplyforcourtordersanalogoustoinjunctivereliefIncombinationwithanewsection308defininglsquoeligiblepersonrsquoanextendedformofstandingisavailabletoapersonwhoseinterestsareaffectedbycontraventionornon-compliancewiththeActThoseamendmentshavenotyetcommenced



Appropriate penalties for wildlife crime

Theenspoffencesenspcreatedenspbyenspwildlifeenspprotectionensplawsenspandensptheensppenaltiesenspforensptheseenspareenspcentralensptoenspup-to-dateenspandenspeffectiveenspregulationenspInenspcombinationenspwithensptheenspregulatorrsquosenspapproachensptoenspsecuringenspcomplianceenspandenspenforcementenspwithensptheensplawsensptheensprangeenspofenspoffencesenspandensptheenspapplicableensppenaltiesenspsendenspaenspclearenspsignalensptoensptheenspcommunityenspaboutenspwhatenspisenspvaluedenspandenspworthenspprotecting

PenaltiesenspunderensptheenspWildlifeenspActensphaveenspnotenspbeenenspreviewedenspforenspmanyenspyearsenspandenspasensptheenspcomparisonsenspwithenspotherensplawsenspbelowenspdemonstratesenspitenspwouldenspbeensptimelyensptoenspdoenspsoensptoenspensureenspthatensptheyenspremainenspalignedenspwithenspcommunityenspexpectationsenspasensptoensptheenspseriousnessenspofenspwildlifeenspcrime

In the biggest case of wedge-tailed eagle killing in the statersquos history the man has been jailed for just 14 days and fined $2500 While the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning is rightly proud to have achieved this first jail sentence for wildlife destruction in Victoria Humane Society International believes this fact also speaks volumes about the historical laxity of punishment regarding wildlife crimes

lsquoLess than an hour to be served for each wedge-tailed eagle poisoned and fined just $6 for each wedge-tailed eagle killed this sentence is clearly inadequate and until the punishment properly fits the crime in cases involving wildlife people who donrsquot value nature will be undeterred in their destructionrsquo said HSI Head of Programs Evan Quartermain40

Hunt take or destroy threatened wildlife ndash Wildlife Act 1975 section 41

Maximumenspfineensp-ensp$3965280enspplusenspupensptoensp$330440enspforenspeachenspindividualenspanimalenspUpensptoensptwoenspyearsrsquoenspimprisonment

Comparisons

bullensp TheenspanalogousenspoffencesenspinensprelationensptoensptakingenspfloraenspinensptheenspFFGenspActenspprovideenspforenspaenspbroaderensprangeenspofensppenaltiesenspwithenspdifferentensppenaltiesenspapplicableensptoenspindividualsenspandenspcorporationsenspTakingenspprotectedenspfloraenspattractsenspaenspfineenspofenspupensptoensp$1982640enspinensptheenspcaseenspofenspindividualsenspandensp$99132enspforenspcorporationsenspHoweverenspwhereensptheensptakingenspcausesenspaenspsignificantenspdetrimentalenspimpactensponensptheenspprotectedenspfloraenspenspensp

40 HSIlsquoHumaneSocietyInternationalappalledatweaksentenceformasseaglekillingrsquohttpshsiorgaunewsroomhumane-society-international-appalled-at-weak-sentence-for-mass-eagle-killing

thenensptheensppenaltiesenspincreaseensptoensp$3965280enspandensptwoenspyearsrsquoenspimprisonmentenspforenspindividualsenspandenspaenspfineenspofensp$198264enspforenspcorporations

bullensp Underenspsectionensp18enspofensptheenspEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999ensp(Cth)ensptakingenspanenspactionensplikelyensptoensphaveenspaenspsignificantenspimpactensponenspaenspnationallyensplistedenspthreatenedenspspeciesenspattractsenspaensppenaltyenspofenspupensptoensp$1050000enspandensp7enspyearsrsquoenspimprisonmentenspforenspanenspindividualensporensp$10050000enspinensptheenspcaseenspofenspaenspcorporation

bullensp UnderensptheenspNewenspSouthenspWalesenspBiodiversity Conservation Act 2016 harmingenspaenspthreatenedenspspeciesenspattractsenspaensppenaltyenspofenspupensptoensp$330000ensporensptwoenspyearsrsquoenspimprisonmentenspforenspanenspindividualensporensp$1650000enspinensptheenspcaseenspofenspaenspcorporation

Hunt take or destroy protected wildlife ndash Wildlife Act 1975 section 43

Theensppenaltyenspforensptakingensporenspdestroyingenspprotectedensp(butenspnotenspthreatened)enspwildlifeenspisenspaenspfineenspofenspupensptoensp$8261ensp(plusenspanenspadditionalensp$99132enspforenspeachenspanimalenspharmed)ensporenspupensptoenspsixenspmonthsenspinenspprisonensp

Disturbing protected wildlife without a permit ndash Wildlife Act 1975 section 58

Maximumenspfineenspofensp$330440

Damage disturb or destroy wildlife habitat ndash Wildlife Regulations 2013 ndash rule 42


Comparisons

bullensp Asenspnotedenspaboveensptakingenspprotectedenspfloraenspattractsenspaenspfineenspofenspupensptoensp$1982640enspinensptheenspcaseenspofenspindividualsenspandensp$99132enspforenspcorporationsenspHoweverenspwhereensptheensptakingenspcausesenspaenspsignificantenspdetrimentalenspimpactensponensptheenspprotectedenspfloraenspthenensptheensppenaltiesenspincreaseensptoensp$3965280enspandensptwoenspyearsrsquoenspimprisonmentenspforenspindividualsenspandenspaenspfineenspofensp$198264enspforenspcorporations

bullensp UnderensptheenspNewenspSouthenspWalesenspBiodiversity Conservation Act 2016 harmingenspprotectedenspspeciesenspattractsenspaensppenaltyenspofenspupensptoensp$22000enspforenspanenspindividualensporensp$110000enspinensptheenspcaseenspofenspaenspcorporation



Responding to cruelty to wildlife

Whileenspcrueltyensptoenspwildlifeenspmustenspneverenspbeensptoleratedenspsomeenspharmensptoenspwildlifeenspisenspofenspsuchenspaenspcruelensporenspcallousenspnatureenspthatenspisenspshouldenspbeenspsingledenspoutenspforenspspecialenspattentionenspincludingensphigherensppenalties

TheenspWildlifeenspAct doesenspnotenspcurrentlyenspcontainenspanyenspspecificenspprohibitionensporenspoffencesenspinensprelationensptoenspcrueltyensptoenspwildlife

InenspVictoriaensppreventionenspofenspcrueltyensptoenspanimalsenspisenspmainlyenspcoveredenspunderenspseparateensplegislationensptheenspPrevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986ensp(lsquoPOCTAArsquo)enspwhichenspisenspprimarilyenspadministeredenspbyensptheenspDepartmentenspofenspJobsenspPrecinctsenspandenspRegionsenspunderensptheenspMinisterenspforenspAgricultureenspHoweverenspthisensplegislationensplsquodoesenspnotenspapplyensptoenspanythingenspdoneenspinenspaccordanceenspwithensptheenspWildlife Act 1975rsquo41ensp

HarmensptoenspwildlifeenspnotenspinenspaccordanceenspwithenspanenspauthorisationenspissuedensporenspanenspexemptionenspcreatedenspunderensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspisenspprobablyenspanenspoffenceenspunderensptheenspPOCTAAenspTheenspsituationenspisenspunclearenspwhereenspanenspauthorisationensporenspexemptionenspisenspinenspplaceenspbutenspnotenspcompliedenspwithenspunderenspWildlifeenspActenspWhileensppotentiallyenspaenspWildlifeenspActenspoffenceenspandenspaenspPOCTAAenspoffenceenspwhetherensptheensplegislativeenspcombinationenspisenspappliedenspinenspthatenspmannerenspisenspunclearenspandenspitenspisensplikelyenspthatenspcrueltyensptoenspwildlifeenspisenspnotenspclearlyenspaensppunishableenspoffenceenspinenspmanyenspsituationsenspinenspVictoria

TheenspVictorianenspgovernmentenspisenspcurrentlyenspreviewingensptheenspPrevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986

Victoriarsquos current animal welfare law is the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTAA) This Act has served Victoria for the last 30 years

However developments over that time are prompting a review of the policy and legal framework so that Victoria has a strong platform for the future There is greater science-based knowledge about animal welfare including the sentience of animals and greater public scrutiny of the treatment of animals Complaints about

41 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986(Vic)s6(1B)

animal welfare are increasing and the community has greater expectations about how and when the law is enforced

POCTAA has been modified many times to correspond with changes in science and community expectations These changes have improved enforcement powers and introduced then strengthened the ability for inspectors to seize animals at risk New cruelty offences were introduced to address emerging issues in animal welfare and penalties have increased over time

POCTAA has served an important function however it has become a complex piece of legislation It is also focused on responding to cruelty after an animal has had a profoundly negative experience

This has limited how POCTAA is enforced and the ability of enforcement agencies to intervene at an early stage before profound animal suffering has occurred or to address animal welfare concerns that do not fit within the definition of cruelty Society now expects that the law should do more to set the responsibilities that humans have towards animals to better protect them from harm enable earlier intervention and to better provide for their welfare

As a result of all of these changes a new regulatory framework is required A new Act will be developed that will safeguard animal welfare and provide for timely avenues to address non-compliance The new Act will build upon the effective parts of POCTAA and set out fundamental requirements for the responsible care and treatment of all animals42

ThisenspreviewensptogetherenspwithensptheenspreviewenspofensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspannouncedenspbyensptheenspEnvironmentenspMinisterenspwillenspbeenspanenspimportantenspopportunityensptoenspensureenspthatenspappropriateenspoffencesenspexistensptoenspdeterenspandensppunishenspcrueltyensptoenspwildlifeenspinenspVictoriaensp

42 VictorianGovernmentDepartmentofEconomicDevelopmentJobsTransportandResources(DEDJTR)Animal Welfare Action Plan Improving the Welfare of Animals in Victoria (2017)



Current reform proposals ndash Bills currently before the Victorian Parliament

TwoenspbillsenspproposingenspamendmentsensptoensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspareenspcurrentlyenspbeforeensptheenspVictorianenspParliament

1ensp WildlifeenspAmendmentensp(ProtectionenspofenspBirds)enspBillensp2019

ThisenspbillenspseeksensptoenspamendensptheenspWildlifeenspAct toenspintroduceenspaensplegislativeenspbanensponensptheensphuntingenspofenspnativeenspducksenspandenspotherenspnativeenspbirds

TheenspbillenspwasenspintroducedenspintoensptheenspLegislativeenspCouncilensponenspAugustensp2019enspandenspcurrentlyenspremainsenspbeforeensptheenspCouncil

Theenspbillenspisenspaenspprivateenspmembersrsquoensp(non-government)enspbillenspintroducedenspbyenspAndyenspMeddickenspMLCenspofensptheenspAnimalenspJusticeenspParty43ensp

2ensp WildlifeenspRescueenspVictoriaenspBillensp2020

Thisenspbillenspwasenspintroducedenspfollowingensptheensp2019ndash2020enspsummerenspbushfiresenspTheenspBillenspseeksensptoenspamendensptheenspWildlifeenspActenspandenspotherensplegislationenspto

establish the Wildlife Rescue Victoria Committee under the Wildlife Act which is proposed to be a responder agency under the Emergency Management Act 2013 The Committee will coordinate volunteers and develop processes for coordinating wildlife emergency response activities and

create a legal framework for training and accrediting volunteers involved in wildlife emergency response activities

TheenspbillenspwasenspintroducedenspintoensptheenspLegislativeenspCouncilensponensp2enspJuneensp2020enspandenspremainsenspbeforeensptheenspCouncil

In emergencies wildlife rescue care and rehabilitation in Victoria is broken To some that may seem like a harsh

43 Wildlife Amendment (Protection of Birds) Bill 2019FirstReading15August2019SecondingReadingSpeechAndyMeddickMPVictoriaParliamentary Debates LegislativeCouncil11September20193026

statement but it is nonetheless an accurate one

Whenever a disaster occurs we see the same scenario played out Our emergency services scramble and they with the enormous amount of well-deserved respect of their communities fight to beyond exhaustion Day after gruelling day true life stories of extraordinary bravery compassion and resilience come to light and we are reminded of just how wonderful a species of animal we humans can be Those stories are always tempered and tinged with something elsemdashthe loss of lives But no matter how hard people fought no matter the degree of danger they placed themselves in to save them they simply could not

I donrsquot bring this bill out of want or need to bash the governmentmdashor the department for that mattermdashbut out of a need that I and others have recognised is of utmost importance because if we see our native animals as rightfully coexisting as indeed having a claim on this environment that stretches far beyond our short years on this continent and not as pests that get in the way of our aims to exploit that environment and if we value them as unique as having lives and interests of their own that should be respected as an intrinsic right as the rest of the world does we need to step outside the casual disregard we have for their lives we need to uplift them in our minds and our actions and to learn the lessons that preceding decades have been screaming at us to learn

We need to adapt to change how we value them and that starts with changing how we value these extraordinary people that look after them that already see things that way and commit themselves to championing their lives by looking out for them at every opportunity

The animals and these people deserve a system that is worldrsquos best practicemdashsomething that can be held up with pride as the model for the world to follow 44

44 SecondreadingspeechbyAndyMeddickMPVictoriaParliamentary Debates LegislativeCouncil3June20201657



Conclusion

Victorianenspwildlifeensplawenspisenspinenspseriousenspneedenspofenspreformensp

TheenspWildlifeenspActenspisenspdatedenspitenspmanagesenspconflictingenspissuesenspofenspconservationenspandenspexploitationenspbadlyensptheenspmachineryenspofenspitsenspadministrationenspisenspnotenspfitenspforensppurposeenspandenspitenspisenspnotenspresponsiveensptoensptheensprealenspcontemporaryenspissuesenspconfrontingenspVictoriarsquosenspnativeenspfaunaenspandenspourenspmanagementenspofenspthem

AtensptheenspheartenspofensptheenspissuesenspfacingenspourenspnativeenspwildlifeenspareenspunrelentingensppressuresensponensppopulationsenspandensphabitatenspfromenspbothensphumanenspsourcesenspandenspbiologicalenspimbalancesenspTheenspWildlifeenspActenspisenspnotensprespondingensptoensporensprelievingenspthoseensppressuresenspArguablyenspitenspisenspnotenspeffectivelyenspevenensprecognisingenspthemensp

InenspthisenspreportenspweensphaveenspsoughtensptoenspbeginensptheenspconversationensparoundenspreformenspofenspwildlifeensplawenspandenspsetenspoutenspwhyenspweenspneedensptoenspmoveensponenspfromenspwhereenspweenspareenspInenspexpressingensptheenspproblemenspweenspaimensptoenspbeginensptheenspprocessenspofenspposingensptheenspsolutionsensp

|ensp envirojusticeorgauensp |

Humane Society International AustraliaTelephone 02ensp9973ensp1728enspEmail adminhsiorgauenspWebsite wwwhsiorgauPostensp POenspBoxensp439enspAvalonenspNSWensp2107

Environmental Justice Australia Telephone 03ensp8341ensp3100enspEmailensp adminenvirojusticeorgauenspWebsite wwwenvirojusticeorgauenspPostensp POenspBoxensp12123enspArsquoBeckettenspStreetenspenspVICenspensp8006ensp

Conclusion











This Report


Executive Summary

Protecting habitat



ThisenspreportensphasenspbeenensppreparedenspbyenspEnvironmentalenspJusticeenspAustraliaenspforenspHumaneenspSocietyenspInternational

Forenspfurtherenspinformationensponenspthisenspreportensppleaseenspcontact

AlexiaenspWellbeloveenspSeniorenspCampaignenspManagerenspHumaneenspSocietyenspInternationalenspAustraliaenspTensp02ensp9973ensp1728enspEenspadminhsiorgau

DrenspBruceenspLindsayenspSeniorenspLawyerenspEnvironmentalenspJusticeenspAustraliaenspTensp03ensp8341ensp3100enspEenspadminenvirojusticeorgau

AboutenspHumaneenspSocietyenspInternational

Humane Society Internationalensp(HSI)enspisensptheensplargestenspinternationalenspcharityenspworkingenspforenspaenspmoreensphumaneenspandenspsustainableenspworldenspforenspanimalsenspEstablishedenspinenspAustraliaenspinensp1994enspHSIenspworksensptoenspchangeenspgovernmentenspconservationenspandenspanimalenspwelfareensppoliciesenspandensplawenspforensptheenspbetterenspwhileenspstrivingensptoenspenforceensptheenspeffectiveenspimplementationenspofenspthoseensplawsensp

AboutenspEnvironmentalenspJusticeenspAustralia

Environmental Justice Australiaenspisenspaenspnot-for-profitensppublicenspinterestensplegalensppracticeenspFundedenspbyenspdonationsenspandenspindependentenspofenspgovernmentenspandenspcorporateenspfundingenspourensplegalenspteamenspcombinesenspaensppassionenspforenspjusticeenspwithensptechnicalenspexpertiseenspandenspaensppracticalenspunderstandingenspofensptheensplegalenspsystemensptoenspprotectenspourenspenvironment

WeenspactenspasenspadvisersenspandensplegalensprepresentativesensptoensptheenspenvironmentenspmovementensppursuingenspcourtenspcasesensptoenspprotectenspourenspsharedenspenvironmentenspWeenspworkenspwithenspcommunity-basedenspenvironmentenspgroupsenspregionalenspandenspstateenspenvironmentalensporganisationsenspandensplargerenspenvironmentalenspNGOsenspWeenspalsoenspprovideenspstrategicenspandensplegalenspsupportensptoensptheirenspcampaignsensptoenspaddressenspclimateenspchangeenspprotectenspnatureenspandenspdefendensptheensprightsenspofenspcommunitiesensptoenspaensphealthyenspenvironment

WhileenspweenspseekensptoenspgiveensptheenspcommunityenspaensppowerfulenspvoiceenspinenspcourtenspweenspalsoensprecogniseenspthatenspcourtenspcasesenspaloneenspwillenspnotenspbeenspenoughenspThatrsquosenspwhyenspweenspcampaignensptoenspimproveenspourensplegalenspsystemenspWeenspdefendenspexistingensphard-wonenspenvironmentalenspprotectionsenspfromenspattackenspAtensptheenspsameensptimeenspweensppursueenspnewenspandenspinnovativeenspsolutionsensptoenspfillensptheenspgapsenspandenspfixensptheenspfailuresenspinenspourensplegalenspsystemensptoenspclearenspaensppathenspforenspaenspmoreenspjustenspandenspsustainableenspworld

PublisherenspEnvironmentalenspJusticeenspAustraliaenspampenspHumaneenspSocietyenspInternationalenspPublicationenspdateensp11enspDecemberensp2020

ImagesenspHigherenspGroundenspRaptorenspCentreensp(cover)enspIan Suttonensp(pageensp4)enspSteve Bittingerensp(pageensp6)enspenspAlexandrenspBaranovensp(pageensp10ensp)enspTheGirlsNY (pageensp13)enspGabriela Dominguezensp(pageensp16)enspenspN Higginsensp(pageensp17)enspDavid Nielsonensp(pageensp21)enspenspAngusenspEmmottensp(pageensp23)enspBernard Spraggensp(pageensp24)enspMarieenspWynanensp(pageensp25)

Contents



ThisenspReportensp5

















Executive Summary

























2 Ibid








This Report
















































10 Ibid




















lsquoWildlifersquo




































seals







Wildlife trade








permits



Minister






protection




























































GOVERNMENT GAZETTE



































Protecting habitat






















































































No Yes Inensppart


No No Yes





























Accountabilityensp


















Comparisons












Comparisons












































Conclusion








Conclusion











This Report


Executive Summary

Protecting habitat

Contents



ThisenspReportensp5

















Executive Summary

























2 Ibid








This Report
















































10 Ibid




















lsquoWildlifersquo




































seals







Wildlife trade








permits



Minister






protection




























































GOVERNMENT GAZETTE



































Protecting habitat






















































































No Yes Inensppart


No No Yes





























Accountabilityensp


















Comparisons












Comparisons












































Conclusion








Conclusion











This Report


Executive Summary

Protecting habitat



Executive Summary

























2 Ibid








This Report
















































10 Ibid




















lsquoWildlifersquo




































seals







Wildlife trade








permits



Minister






protection




























































GOVERNMENT GAZETTE



































Protecting habitat






















































































No Yes Inensppart


No No Yes





























Accountabilityensp


















Comparisons












Comparisons












































Conclusion








Conclusion











This Report


Executive Summary

Protecting habitat










2 Ibid








This Report
















































10 Ibid




















lsquoWildlifersquo




































seals







Wildlife trade








permits



Minister






protection




























































GOVERNMENT GAZETTE



































Protecting habitat






















































































No Yes Inensppart


No No Yes





























Accountabilityensp


















Comparisons












Comparisons












































Conclusion








Conclusion











This Report


Executive Summary

Protecting habitat











































10 Ibid




















lsquoWildlifersquo




































seals







Wildlife trade








permits



Minister






protection




























































GOVERNMENT GAZETTE



































Protecting habitat






















































































No Yes Inensppart


No No Yes





























Accountabilityensp


















Comparisons












Comparisons












































Conclusion








Conclusion











This Report


Executive Summary

Protecting habitat

















lsquoWildlifersquo




































seals







Wildlife trade








permits



Minister






protection




























































GOVERNMENT GAZETTE



































Protecting habitat






















































































No Yes Inensppart


No No Yes





























Accountabilityensp


















Comparisons












Comparisons












































Conclusion








Conclusion











This Report


Executive Summary

Protecting habitat













seals







Wildlife trade








permits



Minister






protection




























































GOVERNMENT GAZETTE



































Protecting habitat






















































































No Yes Inensppart


No No Yes





























Accountabilityensp


















Comparisons












Comparisons












































Conclusion








Conclusion











This Report


Executive Summary

Protecting habitat



























































GOVERNMENT GAZETTE



































Protecting habitat






















































































No Yes Inensppart


No No Yes





























Accountabilityensp


















Comparisons












Comparisons












































Conclusion








Conclusion











This Report


Executive Summary

Protecting habitat


































Protecting habitat






















































































No Yes Inensppart


No No Yes





























Accountabilityensp


















Comparisons












Comparisons












































Conclusion








Conclusion











This Report


Executive Summary

Protecting habitat















































































No Yes Inensppart


No No Yes





























Accountabilityensp


















Comparisons












Comparisons












































Conclusion








Conclusion











This Report


Executive Summary

Protecting habitat














Accountabilityensp


















Comparisons












Comparisons












































Conclusion








Conclusion











This Report


Executive Summary

Protecting habitat










Comparisons












Comparisons












































Conclusion








Conclusion











This Report


Executive Summary

Protecting habitat










































Conclusion








Conclusion











This Report


Executive Summary

Protecting habitat




Conclusion











This Report


Executive Summary

Protecting habitat

failing our wildlife - environmental justice australia

Documents