This excerpt establishes the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland as a corporate body (with State privileges) and sets out how the board is composed, who may serve, how elected members are chosen, meeting rules (quorum, voting, remote attendance), and conflict‑of‑interest obligations (including penalties). It affects board members and eligible veterinary surgeons who vote or stand for election, because it fixes decision‑making procedures, member qualifications and removal or vacancy rules that govern how the board operates (secs 4, 4B, 4C, 8, 11, 12A, 12C).
The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1936 establishes a statutory regulatory framework for the registration, discipline, and premises approval of persons who practise veterinary science in Queensland. It creates the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland (the board), prescribes registers of veterinary surgeons and veterinary specialists to be kept by the registrar (s 4, s 16), sets entry and recognition pathways for practitioners (ss 18, 18A, 18B, 19, 19A, 19B, 19C, 19CA), and empowers the board to investigate and take disciplinary action against veterinary surgeons (ss 22, 22A, 22C, 22E). The Act also provides for tribunal adjudication (ss 15A-15D), inspection and enforcement powers including entry, seizure and warrants (s 33D), offences and penalties for unregistered practice and related misconduct (Part 4A and ss 25L-25Q), and provision for approvals to use premises as veterinary premises (Part 4A, ss 25A-25K). Fees, funds and financial arrangements for the board are specified (ss 15, 17, 36).
Mechanically, the Act does the following. It establishes governance: the board is a body corporate with defined membership and appointment processes (ss 4, 4C-4G). It sets the substantive licensing conditions: eligibility criteria for registration (s 18), provisional and limited registrations (ss 19A, 19B), registration of specialists (ss 19C-19D), and special registration for academics (s 19E). It creates compliance obligations: annual fees and removal for non-payment (s 17), notification duties for contact information (ss 26-27), and record-production obligations (s 33C). It empowers regulatory action: the board may investigate complaints and either discipline directly (with capped penalties and reprimands, s 22A) or refer matters to the tribunal (s 22, s 15A), while the tribunal can remove names, suspend registration, impose penalties up to 40 penalty units, or reprimand (s 22E). It regulates premises: approvals are required to operate a veterinary practice, with prescribed standards, inspection rights and grounds for refusal, suspension or cancellation (ss 25A-25K, s 29A). It preserves mutual recognition and interstate mobility mechanisms, by not affecting mutual recognition Acts (s 3) and providing for deemed registration of interstate practitioners and specialists (ss 18B, 19CA), and allows arrangements for national registers (s 16A).
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Veterinary Surgeons Act 1936.
136
pt.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1
Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1936 .
s 1 sub 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1
sec.2
Section sec.2
s 2 amd 1986 No. 6 s 4
om 10 May 1994 RA s 36
sec.2-oc.2
Definitions
sec.2-oc.2 Definitions
The dictionary in the schedule defines particular words used in this Act.
Note—prev s 3 contained definitions for this Act. Definitions are now located in the schedule—Dictionary. Annotations for definitions contained in prev s 3 are located in annotations for the schedule.
s 2 (prev s 3) amd 2001 No. 63 s 36
renum 2001 No. 63 s 36 (7)
sec.2A
Meaning of veterinary science
sec.2A Meaning of veterinary science
Veterinary science means the science of veterinary surgery or veterinary medicine.
Veterinary science includes the following—
diagnosing diseases in, and injuries to, animals, including, for example, testing animals for diagnostic purposes;
giving advice based on a diagnosis under paragraph (a) ;
medical or surgical treatment of animals;
performing surgical operations on animals;
administering anaesthetics to animals;
signing or issuing certificates relating to the description, health, diagnosis or treatment of animals.
However, veterinary science does not include—
an act done for animal husbandry or animal dentistry prescribed by regulation not to be veterinary science; or
using an animal, or allowing an animal to be used, for a scientific purpose in accordance with the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 , section 91 .
In this section—
scientific purpose means a scientific purpose within the meaning of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 , section 48 .
s 2A ins 2001 No. 63 s 37
amd 2022 No. 35 s 50
(sec.2A-ssec.1) Veterinary science means the science of veterinary surgery or veterinary medicine.
(sec.2A-ssec.2) Veterinary science includes the following— diagnosing diseases in, and injuries to, animals, including, for example, testing animals for diagnostic purposes; giving advice based on a diagnosis under paragraph (a) ; medical or surgical treatment of animals; performing surgical operations on animals; administering anaesthetics to animals; signing or issuing certificates relating to the description, health, diagnosis or treatment of animals.
(sec.2A-ssec.3) However, veterinary science does not include— an act done for animal husbandry or animal dentistry prescribed by regulation not to be veterinary science; or using an animal, or allowing an animal to be used, for a scientific purpose in accordance with the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 , section 91 .
(sec.2A-ssec.4) In this section— scientific purpose means a scientific purpose within the meaning of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 , section 48 .
(a) diagnosing diseases in, and injuries to, animals, including, for example, testing animals for diagnostic purposes;
(b) giving advice based on a diagnosis under paragraph (a) ;
(c) medical or surgical treatment of animals;
(d) performing surgical operations on animals;
(e) administering anaesthetics to animals;
(f) signing or issuing certificates relating to the description, health, diagnosis or treatment of animals.
(a) an act done for animal husbandry or animal dentistry prescribed by regulation not to be veterinary science; or
(b) using an animal, or allowing an animal to be used, for a scientific purpose in accordance with the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 , section 91 .
sec.3
Mutual recognition legislation not affected
sec.3 Mutual recognition legislation not affected
This Act does not affect the Mutual Recognition (Queensland) Act 1992 or the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition (Queensland) Act 2003 .
s 3 ins 2001 No. 63 s 37
amd 2003 No. 45 s 15 sch
pt.2
Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland
Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland
pt.2-div.1
Establishment and powers
Establishment and powers
sec.4
Establishment of board
sec.4 Establishment of board
The Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland is established.
The board—
is a body corporate; and
has a common seal; and
may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
s 4 amd 1946 10 Geo 6 No. 52 s 2; 1964 No. 64 s 2
sub 1973 No. 86 s 4
amd 1986 No. 6 s 6 ; 1994 No. 15 s 3 sch 1
sub 2001 No. 63 s 38
(sec.4-ssec.1) The Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland is established.
(sec.4-ssec.2) The board— is a body corporate; and has a common seal; and may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(a) is a body corporate; and
(b) has a common seal; and
(c) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
sec.4A
Board’s relationship with the State
sec.4A Board’s relationship with the State
The board—
represents the State; and
is part of the department for the Financial Accountability Act 2009 .
Without limiting subsection (1) (a) , the board has all the privileges and immunities of the State.
s 4A ins 2001 No. 63 s 38
amd 2009 No. 9 s 136 sch 1
(sec.4A-ssec.1) The board— represents the State; and is part of the department for the Financial Accountability Act 2009 .
(sec.4A-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) (a) , the board has all the privileges and immunities of the State.
(a) represents the State; and
(b) is part of the department for the Financial Accountability Act 2009 .
sec.4B
Powers of board
sec.4B Powers of board
For performing its functions, the board has all the powers of an individual, and may, for example, do the following—
enter into contracts;
acquire, hold and dispose of property;
appoint agents and attorneys;
engage consultants;
charge for services and facilities it supplies;
do anything else necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, the performance of its functions.
s 4B ins 2001 No. 63 s 38
(a) enter into contracts;
(b) acquire, hold and dispose of property;
(c) appoint agents and attorneys;
(d) engage consultants;
(e) charge for services and facilities it supplies;
(f) do anything else necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, the performance of its functions.
pt.2-div.2
Membership
Membership
sec.4C
Membership
sec.4C Membership
The board consists of the following members—
a senior officer of the department nominated by the Minister;
2 persons elected under section 8 ;
3 other persons nominated by the Minister.
Each member mentioned in subsection (1) (a) or (b) , and 2 of the members mentioned in subsection (1) (c) , must be eligible veterinary surgeons.
Each member is to be appointed by the Governor in Council.
s 4C ins 2001 No. 63 s 38
amd 2013 No. 41 s 80
(sec.4C-ssec.1) The board consists of the following members— a senior officer of the department nominated by the Minister; 2 persons elected under section 8 ; 3 other persons nominated by the Minister.
(sec.4C-ssec.2) Each member mentioned in subsection (1) (a) or (b) , and 2 of the members mentioned in subsection (1) (c) , must be eligible veterinary surgeons.
(sec.4C-ssec.3) Each member is to be appointed by the Governor in Council.
(a) a senior officer of the department nominated by the Minister;
(b) 2 persons elected under section 8 ;
(c) 3 other persons nominated by the Minister.
sec.4D
Chairperson and deputy chairperson
sec.4D Chairperson and deputy chairperson
The chairperson of the board is the member mentioned in section 4C (1) (a) .
The deputy chairperson of the board is the member appointed by the Minister as the deputy chairperson.
The deputy chairperson must be an eligible veterinary surgeon.
s 4D ins 2001 No. 63 s 38
amd 2013 No. 41 s 81
(sec.4D-ssec.1) The chairperson of the board is the member mentioned in section 4C (1) (a) .
(sec.4D-ssec.2) The deputy chairperson of the board is the member appointed by the Minister as the deputy chairperson.
(sec.4D-ssec.3) The deputy chairperson must be an eligible veterinary surgeon.
sec.4E
Qualifications for membership
sec.4E Qualifications for membership
A person is not qualified to be or to continue as a member if the person—
is an undischarged bankrupt or, as a debtor, takes advantage of the laws in force for the time being relating to bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or
is convicted of an indictable offence, whether on indictment or summarily; or
is convicted of an offence against this Act; or
is incapable of performing the duties of a member because of physical or mental incapacity.
s 4E ins 2001 No. 63 s 38
(a) is an undischarged bankrupt or, as a debtor, takes advantage of the laws in force for the time being relating to bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or
(b) is convicted of an indictable offence, whether on indictment or summarily; or
(c) is convicted of an offence against this Act; or
(d) is incapable of performing the duties of a member because of physical or mental incapacity.
sec.4F
Vacation of office
sec.4F Vacation of office
The office of a member becomes vacant if the member—
dies; or
resigns office by written notice given to the Minister; or
is absent without the board’s permission from 3 consecutive meetings of the board of which proper notice was given; or
ceases to be qualified to be a member.
If the member is a veterinary surgeon, the member also ceases to hold office if the member ceases to be a veterinary surgeon.
s 4F ins 2001 No. 63 s 38
(sec.4F-ssec.1) The office of a member becomes vacant if the member— dies; or resigns office by written notice given to the Minister; or is absent without the board’s permission from 3 consecutive meetings of the board of which proper notice was given; or ceases to be qualified to be a member.
(sec.4F-ssec.2) If the member is a veterinary surgeon, the member also ceases to hold office if the member ceases to be a veterinary surgeon.
(a) dies; or
(b) resigns office by written notice given to the Minister; or
(c) is absent without the board’s permission from 3 consecutive meetings of the board of which proper notice was given; or
(d) ceases to be qualified to be a member.
sec.4G
Term of appointment
sec.4G Term of appointment
A member, other than the chairperson, is to be appointed for a term of not more than 3 years.
However, if at the end of the member’s term of appointment a person has not been appointed to replace the member, the member’s term does not end until—
the member has been reappointed; or
if the member is not reappointed—another person has been appointed to replace the member.
s 4G ins 2001 No. 63 s 38
(sec.4G-ssec.1) A member, other than the chairperson, is to be appointed for a term of not more than 3 years.
(sec.4G-ssec.2) However, if at the end of the member’s term of appointment a person has not been appointed to replace the member, the member’s term does not end until— the member has been reappointed; or if the member is not reappointed—another person has been appointed to replace the member.
(a) the member has been reappointed; or
(b) if the member is not reappointed—another person has been appointed to replace the member.
sec.5
Filling vacancy in office of board member
sec.5 Filling vacancy in office of board member
Any extraordinary vacancy which at any time occurs in the office of member by death, removal, resignation, or otherwise shall be filled as soon as may be by the appointment of another member; but a member appointed to fill any such vacancy shall be deemed to hold the office of the member’s predecessor, and shall hold office only so long as the member’s predecessor would have done had no such vacancy occurred.
In the case of an elected member, a vacancy shall be filled by the appointment as prescribed of a person recommended by the Minister from a panel of 3 persons nominated by the Queensland division of the Australian Veterinary Association Limited.
If that association fails within 14 days after a request in writing in that behalf by the Minister to submit a nomination, the Minister may without that nomination recommend to the Governor in Council a person who is in the opinion of the Minister a suitable person, as a member of the board, and the person so recommended shall be deemed to be duly nominated.
s 5 amd 1973 No. 86 s 5 ; 1986 No. 6 s 7 ; 2001 No. 63 s 39
(sec.5-ssec.1) Any extraordinary vacancy which at any time occurs in the office of member by death, removal, resignation, or otherwise shall be filled as soon as may be by the appointment of another member; but a member appointed to fill any such vacancy shall be deemed to hold the office of the member’s predecessor, and shall hold office only so long as the member’s predecessor would have done had no such vacancy occurred.
(sec.5-ssec.2) In the case of an elected member, a vacancy shall be filled by the appointment as prescribed of a person recommended by the Minister from a panel of 3 persons nominated by the Queensland division of the Australian Veterinary Association Limited.
(sec.5-ssec.3) If that association fails within 14 days after a request in writing in that behalf by the Minister to submit a nomination, the Minister may without that nomination recommend to the Governor in Council a person who is in the opinion of the Minister a suitable person, as a member of the board, and the person so recommended shall be deemed to be duly nominated.
sec.5A
Excluded matter for Corporations legislation
sec.5A Excluded matter for Corporations legislation
The board is declared to be an excluded matter for the Corporations Act , section 5F , in relation to the following provisions of the Corporations Act —
parts 2D.1 and 2D.6 ;
chapters 2K and 2L ;
parts 5.7 , 5.7B , 5.9 and 5B.2 .
s 5A ins 2001 No. 45 s 29 sch 3
(a) parts 2D.1 and 2D.6 ;
(b) chapters 2K and 2L ;
(c) parts 5.7 , 5.7B , 5.9 and 5B.2 .
sec.6
Chairperson is executive officer of board
sec.6 Chairperson is executive officer of board
The chairperson is the executive officer of the board.
Every appointment, and every order, notice, certificate, or other document of the board relating to the execution of this Act is sufficiently authenticated if signed by the chairperson or any 2 members of the board.
s 6 amd 2001 No. 63 s 58 sch
(sec.6-ssec.1) The chairperson is the executive officer of the board.
(sec.6-ssec.2) Every appointment, and every order, notice, certificate, or other document of the board relating to the execution of this Act is sufficiently authenticated if signed by the chairperson or any 2 members of the board.
pt.2-div.3
Election of members
Election of members
sec.7
Section sec.7
s 7 amd 1973 No. 86 s 6 ; 1986 No. 6 s 8 ; 2000 No. 16 s 590 sch 1 pt 2 (amdt could not be given effect)
om 2001 No. 63 s 41
sec.8
Board to hold elections of members
sec.8 Board to hold elections of members
There must be an election of the elected members of the board.
Each election after the first election must be held on the day that the board by resolution appoints.
The day appointed by the board under subsection (2) must be within the period that is more than 6 months, but not more than 1 year, before the term of appointment of the elected members of the board ends.
The registrar shall be the returning officer at any election held under this Act, and each eligible veterinary surgeon shall be entitled to vote and shall have 1 vote only.
Notice of every election, the form of ballot paper and method of voting thereat, and the time and manner of nomination of every candidate for elective membership shall be as prescribed.
s 8 amd 2001 No. 63 s 58 sch ; 2006 No. 48 s 34 ; 2013 No. 41 s 82 ; 2020 No. 3 s 135
(sec.8-ssec.1) There must be an election of the elected members of the board.
(sec.8-ssec.2) Each election after the first election must be held on the day that the board by resolution appoints.
(sec.8-ssec.3) The day appointed by the board under subsection (2) must be within the period that is more than 6 months, but not more than 1 year, before the term of appointment of the elected members of the board ends.
(sec.8-ssec.4) The registrar shall be the returning officer at any election held under this Act, and each eligible veterinary surgeon shall be entitled to vote and shall have 1 vote only.
(sec.8-ssec.5) Notice of every election, the form of ballot paper and method of voting thereat, and the time and manner of nomination of every candidate for elective membership shall be as prescribed.
sec.9
Power of Governor in Council on failure to elect
sec.9 Power of Governor in Council on failure to elect
If at the time prescribed or appointed for holding an election—
no election is held; or
no candidates are nominated; or
the number of candidates nominated is less than the number of candidates to be elected;
the Governor in Council may appoint a qualified person or a sufficient number of such persons to be a member or members of the board, as the case may require, to fill the vacancies which ought to be filled at such election, and the person or persons so appointed shall be deemed to have been duly elected at such election.
(a) no election is held; or
(b) no candidates are nominated; or
(c) the number of candidates nominated is less than the number of candidates to be elected;
pt.2-div.4
Board business
Board business
sec.10
Conduct of business
sec.10 Conduct of business
Subject to this Act, the board may conduct its business, including its meetings, in the way it considers appropriate.
s 10 sub 1973 No. 86 s 7 ; 2001 No. 63 s 42
sec.11
Quorum
sec.11 Quorum
A quorum for a meeting of the board is 3 members.
s 11 prev s 11 amd 1990 No. 65 s 5
om 1994 No. 15 s 3 sch 1
pres s 11 ins 2001 No. 63 s 42
sec.12
Presiding at meetings
sec.12 Presiding at meetings
The chairperson is to preside at all meetings of the board at which the chairperson is present.
If the chairperson is absent from a board meeting, but the deputy chairperson is present, the deputy chairperson is to preside.
If the chairperson and deputy chairperson are both absent from a board meeting or the offices are vacant, a member chosen by the members present is to preside.
s 12 sub 2001 No. 63 s 42
(sec.12-ssec.1) The chairperson is to preside at all meetings of the board at which the chairperson is present.
(sec.12-ssec.2) If the chairperson is absent from a board meeting, but the deputy chairperson is present, the deputy chairperson is to preside.
(sec.12-ssec.3) If the chairperson and deputy chairperson are both absent from a board meeting or the offices are vacant, a member chosen by the members present is to preside.
sec.12A
Conduct of meetings
sec.12A Conduct of meetings
A question at a board meeting is decided by a majority of the votes of the members present.
Each member present has a vote on each question to be decided and, if the votes are equal, the member presiding also has a casting vote.
A member present at the meeting may abstain from voting.
The board may hold meetings, or allow members to take part in its meetings, by using any technology allowing reasonably contemporaneous and continuous communication between members taking part in the meeting.
teleconferencing
A member who takes part in a board meeting under subsection (4) is taken to be present at the meeting.
A resolution is validly made by the board, even if it is not passed at a board meeting, if—
a majority of the board members gives written agreement to the resolution; and
notice of the resolution is given under procedures approved by the board.
s 12A ins 2001 No. 63 s 42
(sec.12A-ssec.1) A question at a board meeting is decided by a majority of the votes of the members present.
(sec.12A-ssec.2) Each member present has a vote on each question to be decided and, if the votes are equal, the member presiding also has a casting vote.
(sec.12A-ssec.3) A member present at the meeting may abstain from voting.
(sec.12A-ssec.4) The board may hold meetings, or allow members to take part in its meetings, by using any technology allowing reasonably contemporaneous and continuous communication between members taking part in the meeting. teleconferencing
(sec.12A-ssec.5) A member who takes part in a board meeting under subsection (4) is taken to be present at the meeting.
(sec.12A-ssec.6) A resolution is validly made by the board, even if it is not passed at a board meeting, if— a majority of the board members gives written agreement to the resolution; and notice of the resolution is given under procedures approved by the board.
(a) a majority of the board members gives written agreement to the resolution; and
(b) notice of the resolution is given under procedures approved by the board.
sec.12B
Minutes
sec.12B Minutes
The board must keep—
minutes of its meetings; and
a record of any resolutions made under section 12A (6) .
Subsection (3) applies if a resolution is passed at a board meeting by a majority of the members present.
If asked by a member who voted against the passing of the resolution, the board must ensure the minutes of the meeting record the member voted against the resolution.
s 12B ins 2001 No. 63 s 42
(sec.12B-ssec.1) The board must keep— minutes of its meetings; and a record of any resolutions made under section 12A (6) .
(sec.12B-ssec.2) Subsection (3) applies if a resolution is passed at a board meeting by a majority of the members present.
(sec.12B-ssec.3) If asked by a member who voted against the passing of the resolution, the board must ensure the minutes of the meeting record the member voted against the resolution.
(a) minutes of its meetings; and
(b) a record of any resolutions made under section 12A (6) .
sec.12C
Disclosure of interests
sec.12C Disclosure of interests
This section applies to a board member if—
the member has an interest in a matter being considered, or about to be considered, by the board; and
the interest could conflict with the proper performance of the member’s duties about the consideration of the matter.
As soon as practicable after the relevant facts come to the member’s knowledge, the member must disclose the nature of the interest to a meeting of the board.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
Unless the board otherwise directs, the member must not—
be present when the board considers the matter; or
take part in a decision of the board about the matter.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
The member must not be present when the board is considering whether to give a direction under subsection (3) .
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
If there is another member who must, under subsection (2) , also disclose an interest in the matter, the other person must not—
be present when the board is considering whether to give a direction under subsection (3) ; or
take part in making the decision about giving the direction.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
If—
because of this section, a board member is not present at a board meeting for considering or deciding a matter, or for considering or deciding whether to give a direction under subsection (3) ; and
there would be a quorum if the member were present;
the remaining members present are a quorum of the board for considering or deciding the matter, or for considering or deciding whether to give the direction, at the meeting.
A disclosure under subsection (2) must be recorded in the board’s minutes.
If the member is a veterinary surgeon, the member does not have a direct or indirect interest in a matter if the interest arises merely because the member is a veterinary surgeon.
s 12C ins 2001 No. 63 s 42
(sec.12C-ssec.1) This section applies to a board member if— the member has an interest in a matter being considered, or about to be considered, by the board; and the interest could conflict with the proper performance of the member’s duties about the consideration of the matter.
(sec.12C-ssec.2) As soon as practicable after the relevant facts come to the member’s knowledge, the member must disclose the nature of the interest to a meeting of the board. Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
(sec.12C-ssec.3) Unless the board otherwise directs, the member must not— be present when the board considers the matter; or take part in a decision of the board about the matter. Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
(sec.12C-ssec.4) The member must not be present when the board is considering whether to give a direction under subsection (3) . Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
(sec.12C-ssec.5) If there is another member who must, under subsection (2) , also disclose an interest in the matter, the other person must not— be present when the board is considering whether to give a direction under subsection (3) ; or take part in making the decision about giving the direction. Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
(sec.12C-ssec.6) If— because of this section, a board member is not present at a board meeting for considering or deciding a matter, or for considering or deciding whether to give a direction under subsection (3) ; and there would be a quorum if the member were present; the remaining members present are a quorum of the board for considering or deciding the matter, or for considering or deciding whether to give the direction, at the meeting.
(sec.12C-ssec.7) A disclosure under subsection (2) must be recorded in the board’s minutes.
(sec.12C-ssec.8) If the member is a veterinary surgeon, the member does not have a direct or indirect interest in a matter if the interest arises merely because the member is a veterinary surgeon.
(a) the member has an interest in a matter being considered, or about to be considered, by the board; and
(b) the interest could conflict with the proper performance of the member’s duties about the consideration of the matter.
(a) be present when the board considers the matter; or
(b) take part in a decision of the board about the matter.
(a) be present when the board is considering whether to give a direction under subsection (3) ; or
(b) take part in making the decision about giving the direction.
(a) because of this section, a board member is not present at a board meeting for considering or deciding a matter, or for considering or deciding whether to give a direction under subsection (3) ; and
(b) there would be a quorum if the member were present;
pt.2-div.5
Other provisions about the board
Other provisions about the board
sec.13
Appointment of deputy member
sec.13 Appointment of deputy member
If a member is likely from any cause to be absent from meetings of the board for more than 4 months, the Governor in Council may appoint a deputy to act for such member during the member’s absence.
In appointing a deputy to act during the absence of an elected member, the Governor in Council may have regard to the nomination of the Queensland division of the Australian Veterinary Association Limited.
A deputy shall have the same powers, rights, and duties as the member in whose place the deputy is appointed.
s 13 amd 1973 No. 86 s 8 ; 1986 No. 6 s 9
(sec.13-ssec.1) If a member is likely from any cause to be absent from meetings of the board for more than 4 months, the Governor in Council may appoint a deputy to act for such member during the member’s absence.
(sec.13-ssec.1A) In appointing a deputy to act during the absence of an elected member, the Governor in Council may have regard to the nomination of the Queensland division of the Australian Veterinary Association Limited.
(sec.13-ssec.2) A deputy shall have the same powers, rights, and duties as the member in whose place the deputy is appointed.
sec.14
Officers
sec.14 Officers
There is to be a registrar of the board.
The registrar is employed under the Public Sector Act 2022 .
The board may appoint such other officers as the board thinks necessary to give effect to this Act.
Subject to any applicable award of an industrial court, tribunal or authority or any industrial agreement, persons appointed pursuant to subsection (2) shall be paid such remuneration and shall be employed under such conditions as are fixed by the board.
s 14 sub 1986 No. 6 s 10
amd 1996 No. 37 s 147 sch 2 ; 2001 No. 63 s 44 ; 2009 No. 25 s 83 sch ; 2022 No. 34 s 365 sch 3
(sec.14-ssec.1) There is to be a registrar of the board.
(sec.14-ssec.2) The registrar is employed under the Public Sector Act 2022 .
(sec.14-ssec.3) The board may appoint such other officers as the board thinks necessary to give effect to this Act.
(sec.14-ssec.4) Subject to any applicable award of an industrial court, tribunal or authority or any industrial agreement, persons appointed pursuant to subsection (2) shall be paid such remuneration and shall be employed under such conditions as are fixed by the board.
sec.15
Funds of board
sec.15 Funds of board
All moneys received by the board or the registrar, including fees and penalties, shall be paid into the funds of the board.
The remuneration of the registrar and other officers appointed under this Act and all other expenses of and incidental to the administration of this Act, shall be paid by the board out of its funds.
However, where such funds are insufficient for the purpose of the administration of this Act there may be made from the consolidated fund such payments to the funds of the board as the Governor in Council may deem necessary for such purpose, which payments are hereby appropriated for the purpose.
Any surplus moneys of the board which are not required for the purposes of subsection (2) may be expended by the board for the purposes of the advancement of veterinary science in such manner as it decides.
s 15 amd 1986 No. 6 s 11 ; 2006 No. 48 s 33 sch ; 2009 No. 24 s 833
(sec.15-ssec.1) All moneys received by the board or the registrar, including fees and penalties, shall be paid into the funds of the board.
(sec.15-ssec.2) The remuneration of the registrar and other officers appointed under this Act and all other expenses of and incidental to the administration of this Act, shall be paid by the board out of its funds.
(sec.15-ssec.2A) However, where such funds are insufficient for the purpose of the administration of this Act there may be made from the consolidated fund such payments to the funds of the board as the Governor in Council may deem necessary for such purpose, which payments are hereby appropriated for the purpose.
(sec.15-ssec.3) Any surplus moneys of the board which are not required for the purposes of subsection (2) may be expended by the board for the purposes of the advancement of veterinary science in such manner as it decides.
pt.2A
Tribunal proceedings
Tribunal proceedings
sec.15A
Jurisdiction
sec.15A Jurisdiction
The tribunal has jurisdiction—
to hear and decide any disciplinary proceedings involving allegations of misconduct in a professional respect referred by the board against any veterinary surgeon; and
to hear and decide any application made under section 22C ; and
to hear and decide show cause proceedings brought under section 22D .
s 15A ins 1986 No. 6 s 12
sub 2009 No. 24 s 834
(a) to hear and decide any disciplinary proceedings involving allegations of misconduct in a professional respect referred by the board against any veterinary surgeon; and
(b) to hear and decide any application made under section 22C ; and
(c) to hear and decide show cause proceedings brought under section 22D .
sec.15B
Constitution of tribunal
sec.15B Constitution of tribunal
For a proceeding under section 15A , the tribunal is to be constituted by—
1 legally qualified member; and
2 other QCAT members who are veterinary surgeons.
The person mentioned in subsection (1) (a) is the presiding member for the proceedings.
In this section—
legally qualified member means a legally qualified member under the QCAT Act .
QCAT member means a member under the QCAT Act .
s 15B ins 1986 No. 6 s 12
amd 1994 No. 15 s 3 sch 1 ; 1996 No. 37 s 147 sch 2
sub 2009 No. 24 s 834
amd 2009 No. 48 s 197
(sec.15B-ssec.1) For a proceeding under section 15A , the tribunal is to be constituted by— 1 legally qualified member; and 2 other QCAT members who are veterinary surgeons.
(sec.15B-ssec.2) The person mentioned in subsection (1) (a) is the presiding member for the proceedings.
(sec.15B-ssec.3) In this section— legally qualified member means a legally qualified member under the QCAT Act . QCAT member means a member under the QCAT Act .
(a) 1 legally qualified member; and
(b) 2 other QCAT members who are veterinary surgeons.
sec.15C
Matters tribunal must consider in making particular decisions
sec.15C Matters tribunal must consider in making particular decisions
This section applies to the tribunal in making a decision about—
a disciplinary proceeding alleging misconduct in a professional respect against a veterinary surgeon; or
whether or not a veterinary surgeon’s name should be removed from the register of veterinary surgeons because the veterinary surgeon is medically unfit to practise veterinary science.
In making its decision, the tribunal—
must have regard to previous decisions about the veterinary surgeon made by any of the following—
the tribunal if, in the opinion of the tribunal, the previous decision is relevant to the matter before it;
the board;
a committee; and
may have regard to previous decisions about the veterinary surgeon made by a foreign disciplinary body.
Subsection (2) does not limit the matters the tribunal may consider in making its decision.
In this section—
committee means a committee of medical practitioners appointed under section 22D (1) .
foreign disciplinary body means an entity, established under the law of another State or country, having functions similar to the functions of the board or tribunal under this Act.
s 15C ins 1986 No. 6 s 13
amd 1994 No. 15 s 3 sch 1 ; 2000 No. 16 s 590 sch 1 pt 2
sub 2009 No. 24 s 834
(sec.15C-ssec.1) This section applies to the tribunal in making a decision about— a disciplinary proceeding alleging misconduct in a professional respect against a veterinary surgeon; or whether or not a veterinary surgeon’s name should be removed from the register of veterinary surgeons because the veterinary surgeon is medically unfit to practise veterinary science.
(sec.15C-ssec.2) In making its decision, the tribunal— must have regard to previous decisions about the veterinary surgeon made by any of the following— the tribunal if, in the opinion of the tribunal, the previous decision is relevant to the matter before it; the board; a committee; and may have regard to previous decisions about the veterinary surgeon made by a foreign disciplinary body.
(sec.15C-ssec.3) Subsection (2) does not limit the matters the tribunal may consider in making its decision.
(sec.15C-ssec.4) In this section— committee means a committee of medical practitioners appointed under section 22D (1) . foreign disciplinary body means an entity, established under the law of another State or country, having functions similar to the functions of the board or tribunal under this Act.
(a) a disciplinary proceeding alleging misconduct in a professional respect against a veterinary surgeon; or
(b) whether or not a veterinary surgeon’s name should be removed from the register of veterinary surgeons because the veterinary surgeon is medically unfit to practise veterinary science.
(a) must have regard to previous decisions about the veterinary surgeon made by any of the following— (i) the tribunal if, in the opinion of the tribunal, the previous decision is relevant to the matter before it; (ii) the board; (iii) a committee; and
(i) the tribunal if, in the opinion of the tribunal, the previous decision is relevant to the matter before it;
(ii) the board;
(iii) a committee; and
(b) may have regard to previous decisions about the veterinary surgeon made by a foreign disciplinary body.
(i) the tribunal if, in the opinion of the tribunal, the previous decision is relevant to the matter before it;
(ii) the board;
(iii) a committee; and
sec.15D
Costs
sec.15D Costs
In a proceeding before it, the tribunal may make any decision about costs it considers appropriate.
However, the costs allowable are only—
the costs allowable under the QCAT Act ; and
if the board conducted an investigation of a matter before referring the matter for hearing by the tribunal—the cost to the board of conducting the investigation.
Without limiting subsection (1) , in making a decision about an order for costs, the tribunal—
must take into consideration the cost of any investigation for the matter the subject of the proceeding; and
must not take into consideration the amount of a penalty, if any, imposed on a veterinary surgeon in the proceeding.
s 15D ins 1986 No. 6 s 13
amd 1990 No. 65 s 6 ; 1994 No. 15 s 3 sch 1 ; 2006 No. 48 s 33 sch
sub 2009 No. 24 s 834
(sec.15D-ssec.1) In a proceeding before it, the tribunal may make any decision about costs it considers appropriate.
(sec.15D-ssec.2) However, the costs allowable are only— the costs allowable under the QCAT Act ; and if the board conducted an investigation of a matter before referring the matter for hearing by the tribunal—the cost to the board of conducting the investigation.
(sec.15D-ssec.3) Without limiting subsection (1) , in making a decision about an order for costs, the tribunal— must take into consideration the cost of any investigation for the matter the subject of the proceeding; and must not take into consideration the amount of a penalty, if any, imposed on a veterinary surgeon in the proceeding.
(a) the costs allowable under the QCAT Act ; and
(b) if the board conducted an investigation of a matter before referring the matter for hearing by the tribunal—the cost to the board of conducting the investigation.
(a) must take into consideration the cost of any investigation for the matter the subject of the proceeding; and
(b) must not take into consideration the amount of a penalty, if any, imposed on a veterinary surgeon in the proceeding.
sec.15E
Section sec.15E
s 15E ins 1986 No. 6 s 14
amd 2001 No. 63 s 45 ; 2006 No. 48 ss 35 , 33 sch
om 2009 No. 24 s 834
sec.15F
Section sec.15F
s 15F ins 1986 No. 6 s 14
amd 1990 No. 65 s 7 ; 2001 No. 63 s 46 ; 2006 No. 48 ss 36 , 33 sch
om 2009 No. 24 s 834
sec.15G
Section sec.15G
s 15G ins 1986 No. 6 s 14
sub 2006 No. 48 s 37
amd 2009 No. 24 s 830
om 2009 No. 24 s 834
sec.15H
Section sec.15H
s 15H ins 2006 No. 48 s 37
om 2009 No. 24 s 834
sec.15I
Section sec.15I
s 15I ins 2006 No. 48 s 37
om 2009 No. 24 s 834
sec.15J
Section sec.15J
s 15J ins 2006 No. 48 s 37
om 2009 No. 24 s 834
sec.15K
Section sec.15K
s 15K ins 2006 No. 48 s 37
om 2009 No. 24 s 834
sec.15L
Section sec.15L
s 15L ins 2006 No. 48 s 37
om 2009 No. 24 s 834
sec.15M
Section sec.15M
s 15M ins 2006 No. 48 s 37
om 2009 No. 24 s 834
sec.15N
Section sec.15N
s 15N ins 2006 No. 48 s 37
om 2009 No. 24 s 834
pt.3
The registers
The registers
sec.16
Keeping registers
sec.16 Keeping registers
The registrar must keep—
the register of veterinary surgeons, Queensland; and
the register of veterinary specialists, Queensland.
The registrar must—
keep the registers in electronic form; and
make the registers available for inspection on the board’s website.
The registrar must enter in the register of veterinary surgeons, Queensland—
the full names and the addresses of all persons registered as veterinary surgeons under this Act; and
a description of the qualification in respect of which such registration is granted and the date on which the qualification was conferred; and
in the case of a veterinary surgeon who is also registered as a veterinary specialist—a reference to such registration; and
any other particulars, other than the emergency contact details for a veterinary surgeon, decided by the board.
The registrar must enter in the register of veterinary specialists, Queensland—
the full names and the addresses of all veterinary surgeons registered as veterinary specialists under this Act; and
a description of the qualification in respect of which such registration is granted and the date on which the qualification was conferred; and
a reference to the registration of the veterinary specialist concerned as a veterinary surgeon; and
any other particulars, other than the emergency contact details for a veterinary surgeon, decided by the board.
Subsections (3) and (4) do not apply to veterinary practitioners.
A certificate by the registrar that any person is registered as a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary specialist and possesses the qualifications therein named shall be prima facie evidence that the person named in such certificate is so registered and possesses the qualifications so mentioned and no other qualifications whatsoever; and a certificate by the registrar that the person named therein is not registered as a veterinary surgeon or, as the case may be, a veterinary specialist or does not possess certain qualifications shall be prima facie evidence that the person named therein is not so registered or does not possess the qualifications mentioned, as the case may be.
Any certificate purporting to be a certificate by the registrar as aforesaid shall be admissible in all proceedings whatsoever, and every court and justice shall take judicial notice of the signature of the registrar thereto.
s 16 amd 1973 No. 86 s 9 ; 1986 No. 6 s 16 ; 2006 No. 48 s 38 ; 2013 No. 41 s 83
(sec.16-ssec.1) The registrar must keep— the register of veterinary surgeons, Queensland; and the register of veterinary specialists, Queensland.
(sec.16-ssec.2) The registrar must— keep the registers in electronic form; and make the registers available for inspection on the board’s website.
(sec.16-ssec.3) The registrar must enter in the register of veterinary surgeons, Queensland— the full names and the addresses of all persons registered as veterinary surgeons under this Act; and a description of the qualification in respect of which such registration is granted and the date on which the qualification was conferred; and in the case of a veterinary surgeon who is also registered as a veterinary specialist—a reference to such registration; and any other particulars, other than the emergency contact details for a veterinary surgeon, decided by the board.
(sec.16-ssec.4) The registrar must enter in the register of veterinary specialists, Queensland— the full names and the addresses of all veterinary surgeons registered as veterinary specialists under this Act; and a description of the qualification in respect of which such registration is granted and the date on which the qualification was conferred; and a reference to the registration of the veterinary specialist concerned as a veterinary surgeon; and any other particulars, other than the emergency contact details for a veterinary surgeon, decided by the board.
(sec.16-ssec.4A) Subsections (3) and (4) do not apply to veterinary practitioners.
(sec.16-ssec.5) A certificate by the registrar that any person is registered as a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary specialist and possesses the qualifications therein named shall be prima facie evidence that the person named in such certificate is so registered and possesses the qualifications so mentioned and no other qualifications whatsoever; and a certificate by the registrar that the person named therein is not registered as a veterinary surgeon or, as the case may be, a veterinary specialist or does not possess certain qualifications shall be prima facie evidence that the person named therein is not so registered or does not possess the qualifications mentioned, as the case may be.
(sec.16-ssec.6) Any certificate purporting to be a certificate by the registrar as aforesaid shall be admissible in all proceedings whatsoever, and every court and justice shall take judicial notice of the signature of the registrar thereto.
(a) the register of veterinary surgeons, Queensland; and
(b) the register of veterinary specialists, Queensland.
(a) keep the registers in electronic form; and
(b) make the registers available for inspection on the board’s website.
(a) the full names and the addresses of all persons registered as veterinary surgeons under this Act; and
(b) a description of the qualification in respect of which such registration is granted and the date on which the qualification was conferred; and
(c) in the case of a veterinary surgeon who is also registered as a veterinary specialist—a reference to such registration; and
(d) any other particulars, other than the emergency contact details for a veterinary surgeon, decided by the board.
(a) the full names and the addresses of all veterinary surgeons registered as veterinary specialists under this Act; and
(b) a description of the qualification in respect of which such registration is granted and the date on which the qualification was conferred; and
(c) a reference to the registration of the veterinary specialist concerned as a veterinary surgeon; and
(d) any other particulars, other than the emergency contact details for a veterinary surgeon, decided by the board.
sec.16A
Arrangements between board and interstate registering authorities
sec.16A Arrangements between board and interstate registering authorities
The board may enter into an arrangement with a registering authority of another State about access to information in a relevant register—
for the purposes of establishing a national register of veterinary specialists, veterinary surgeons and veterinary practitioners; or
for other purposes related to the recognition of veterinary specialists, veterinary surgeons or veterinary practitioners.
Without limiting subsection (1) , an arrangement made under this section may involve the establishment of a national register of veterinary specialists, veterinary surgeons and veterinary practitioners by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc.
In this section—
relevant register means a register required to be kept by the registrar under section 16 (1) .
s 16A ins 2013 No. 41 s 84
(sec.16A-ssec.1) The board may enter into an arrangement with a registering authority of another State about access to information in a relevant register— for the purposes of establishing a national register of veterinary specialists, veterinary surgeons and veterinary practitioners; or for other purposes related to the recognition of veterinary specialists, veterinary surgeons or veterinary practitioners.
(sec.16A-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , an arrangement made under this section may involve the establishment of a national register of veterinary specialists, veterinary surgeons and veterinary practitioners by the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc.
(sec.16A-ssec.3) In this section— relevant register means a register required to be kept by the registrar under section 16 (1) .
(a) for the purposes of establishing a national register of veterinary specialists, veterinary surgeons and veterinary practitioners; or
(b) for other purposes related to the recognition of veterinary specialists, veterinary surgeons or veterinary practitioners.
sec.17
Annual fee
sec.17 Annual fee
Save where exemption from payment thereof is provided for by the regulations, every veterinary surgeon shall pay to the registrar the prescribed annual fee and every veterinary surgeon who is a veterinary specialist shall pay to the registrar such additional annual fee as is prescribed.
Such annual fee (including in the case of a veterinary specialist the additional annual fee prescribed) shall be paid to the registrar by the veterinary surgeon concerned before 31 January in each year.
If a veterinary surgeon does not pay the prescribed annual fee before the time prescribed by subsection (2) , the board may remove the veterinary surgeon’s name from the register of veterinary surgeons.
If a veterinary specialist does not pay the prescribed additional annual fee before the time prescribed by subsection (2) , the board may remove the veterinary specialist’s name from the register of veterinary specialists.
If the name of any person is removed from a register under this section, the board may restore the person’s name to that register on receiving payment of the fees prescribed under a regulation.
In this section—
veterinary surgeon does not include a veterinary practitioner.
s 17 amd 1973 No. 86 s 10 ; 1986 No. 6 s 17 ; 2006 No. 48 s 39 ; 2013 No. 41 s 85
(sec.17-ssec.1) Save where exemption from payment thereof is provided for by the regulations, every veterinary surgeon shall pay to the registrar the prescribed annual fee and every veterinary surgeon who is a veterinary specialist shall pay to the registrar such additional annual fee as is prescribed.
(sec.17-ssec.2) Such annual fee (including in the case of a veterinary specialist the additional annual fee prescribed) shall be paid to the registrar by the veterinary surgeon concerned before 31 January in each year.
(sec.17-ssec.3) If a veterinary surgeon does not pay the prescribed annual fee before the time prescribed by subsection (2) , the board may remove the veterinary surgeon’s name from the register of veterinary surgeons.
(sec.17-ssec.4) If a veterinary specialist does not pay the prescribed additional annual fee before the time prescribed by subsection (2) , the board may remove the veterinary specialist’s name from the register of veterinary specialists.
(sec.17-ssec.5) If the name of any person is removed from a register under this section, the board may restore the person’s name to that register on receiving payment of the fees prescribed under a regulation.
(sec.17-ssec.6) In this section— veterinary surgeon does not include a veterinary practitioner.
pt.4
Veterinary surgeons and veterinary specialists
Veterinary surgeons and veterinary specialists
pt.4-div.1
Registration of veterinary surgeons and veterinary specialists, and approvals to practise veterinary science
Registration of veterinary surgeons and veterinary specialists, and approvals to practise veterinary science
sec.18
Registration of veterinary surgeons
sec.18 Registration of veterinary surgeons
A person shall be entitled to be registered as a veterinary surgeon if the person applies to the board in the approved form and satisfies the board that the person is of good fame and character and that—
the person is—
the holder of a degree or diploma in veterinary science of a university or other body; or
a member of a college or other body of veterinary surgeons;
in either case granted after due examination and recognised by the Governor in Council by regulation—
as entitling the holder or member, as the case may be, to practise veterinary science in the country in which the degree, diploma or membership was obtained; and
as furnishing sufficient evidence that the person possesses the skill, knowledge and ability efficiently to practise veterinary science in the State; or
the person is the holder of a degree or diploma in veterinary science of a university or other body or a member of a college or other body of veterinary surgeons (other than a university, college or other body specified by regulation) in either case granted after due examination and recognised by the Governor in Council by regulation—
as entitling the holder or member, as the case may be, to practise veterinary science in the country in which the degree, diploma or membership was obtained; and
as not furnishing sufficient evidence that the person possesses the skill, knowledge and ability efficiently to practise veterinary science in the State without compliance with the further requirements specified in subsection (2) ;
and the person has complied with those further requirements.
The board may deem a person to be the holder of a qualification referred to in subsection (1) (a) (i) or (ii) or (b)(i) or (ii) if the person satisfies the board that he or she is entitled to that qualification and that the same will be conferred upon the person in due course according to the practice of the university, college or other body in question.
The further requirements referred to in subsection (1) (b) are—
that the person has been resident in the Commonwealth for the prescribed period;
that the person has undergone and passed prescribed examinations conducted in the English language.
The board may refuse an application for registration as a veterinary surgeon if the board is satisfied the applicant is not medically fit to practise veterinary science.
Also, if the board considers it appropriate in the circumstances, the board may refuse an application for registration as a veterinary surgeon if satisfied the applicant is not suitable to be registered because the applicant has, under the law of another State—
applied for registration as a veterinary practitioner in that State and the application was refused by the registering authority for that State; or
been disqualified from applying, or is not entitled to apply, for registration as a veterinary practitioner in that State.
Subsections (3) and (3A) apply despite subsection (1) .
If the board decides to refuse an application for registration, the board must, as soon as practicable after making the decision, give the applicant an information notice for the decision.
s 18 sub 1973 No. 86 s 11
amd 1986 No. 6 s 19 ; 1990 No. 65 s 8 ; 1994 No. 15 s 3 sch 1 ; 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1 ; 2000 No. 16 s 590 sch 1 pt 2 ; 2001 No. 63 s 58 sch ; 2002 No. 49 s 37 sch ; 2009 No. 24 s 835 ; 2013 No. 41 s 86
(sec.18-ssec.1) A person shall be entitled to be registered as a veterinary surgeon if the person applies to the board in the approved form and satisfies the board that the person is of good fame and character and that— the person is— the holder of a degree or diploma in veterinary science of a university or other body; or a member of a college or other body of veterinary surgeons; in either case granted after due examination and recognised by the Governor in Council by regulation— as entitling the holder or member, as the case may be, to practise veterinary science in the country in which the degree, diploma or membership was obtained; and as furnishing sufficient evidence that the person possesses the skill, knowledge and ability efficiently to practise veterinary science in the State; or the person is the holder of a degree or diploma in veterinary science of a university or other body or a member of a college or other body of veterinary surgeons (other than a university, college or other body specified by regulation) in either case granted after due examination and recognised by the Governor in Council by regulation— as entitling the holder or member, as the case may be, to practise veterinary science in the country in which the degree, diploma or membership was obtained; and as not furnishing sufficient evidence that the person possesses the skill, knowledge and ability efficiently to practise veterinary science in the State without compliance with the further requirements specified in subsection (2) ; and the person has complied with those further requirements.
(sec.18-ssec.1A) The board may deem a person to be the holder of a qualification referred to in subsection (1) (a) (i) or (ii) or (b)(i) or (ii) if the person satisfies the board that he or she is entitled to that qualification and that the same will be conferred upon the person in due course according to the practice of the university, college or other body in question.
(sec.18-ssec.2) The further requirements referred to in subsection (1) (b) are— that the person has been resident in the Commonwealth for the prescribed period; that the person has undergone and passed prescribed examinations conducted in the English language.
(sec.18-ssec.3) The board may refuse an application for registration as a veterinary surgeon if the board is satisfied the applicant is not medically fit to practise veterinary science.
(sec.18-ssec.3A) Also, if the board considers it appropriate in the circumstances, the board may refuse an application for registration as a veterinary surgeon if satisfied the applicant is not suitable to be registered because the applicant has, under the law of another State— applied for registration as a veterinary practitioner in that State and the application was refused by the registering authority for that State; or been disqualified from applying, or is not entitled to apply, for registration as a veterinary practitioner in that State.
(sec.18-ssec.3B) Subsections (3) and (3A) apply despite subsection (1) .
(sec.18-ssec.4) If the board decides to refuse an application for registration, the board must, as soon as practicable after making the decision, give the applicant an information notice for the decision.
(a) the person is— (i) the holder of a degree or diploma in veterinary science of a university or other body; or (ii) a member of a college or other body of veterinary surgeons; in either case granted after due examination and recognised by the Governor in Council by regulation—
(i) the holder of a degree or diploma in veterinary science of a university or other body; or
(ii) a member of a college or other body of veterinary surgeons;
(iii) as entitling the holder or member, as the case may be, to practise veterinary science in the country in which the degree, diploma or membership was obtained; and (iv) as furnishing sufficient evidence that the person possesses the skill, knowledge and ability efficiently to practise veterinary science in the State; or
(iii) as entitling the holder or member, as the case may be, to practise veterinary science in the country in which the degree, diploma or membership was obtained; and
(iv) as furnishing sufficient evidence that the person possesses the skill, knowledge and ability efficiently to practise veterinary science in the State; or
(b) the person is the holder of a degree or diploma in veterinary science of a university or other body or a member of a college or other body of veterinary surgeons (other than a university, college or other body specified by regulation) in either case granted after due examination and recognised by the Governor in Council by regulation— (i) as entitling the holder or member, as the case may be, to practise veterinary science in the country in which the degree, diploma or membership was obtained; and (ii) as not furnishing sufficient evidence that the person possesses the skill, knowledge and ability efficiently to practise veterinary science in the State without compliance with the further requirements specified in subsection (2) ;
(i) as entitling the holder or member, as the case may be, to practise veterinary science in the country in which the degree, diploma or membership was obtained; and
(ii) as not furnishing sufficient evidence that the person possesses the skill, knowledge and ability efficiently to practise veterinary science in the State without compliance with the further requirements specified in subsection (2) ;
(i) the holder of a degree or diploma in veterinary science of a university or other body; or
(ii) a member of a college or other body of veterinary surgeons;
(iii) as entitling the holder or member, as the case may be, to practise veterinary science in the country in which the degree, diploma or membership was obtained; and
(iv) as furnishing sufficient evidence that the person possesses the skill, knowledge and ability efficiently to practise veterinary science in the State; or
(i) as entitling the holder or member, as the case may be, to practise veterinary science in the country in which the degree, diploma or membership was obtained; and
(ii) as not furnishing sufficient evidence that the person possesses the skill, knowledge and ability efficiently to practise veterinary science in the State without compliance with the further requirements specified in subsection (2) ;
(a) that the person has been resident in the Commonwealth for the prescribed period;
(b) that the person has undergone and passed prescribed examinations conducted in the English language.
(a) applied for registration as a veterinary practitioner in that State and the application was refused by the registering authority for that State; or
(b) been disqualified from applying, or is not entitled to apply, for registration as a veterinary practitioner in that State.
sec.18A
Performance of certain acts by approved persons
sec.18A Performance of certain acts by approved persons
The board may upon application grant approval to a person who possesses the qualifications specified in section 18 (1) (b) , but who has not complied with the further requirements specified in section 18 (2) , to do or perform any act, procedure, matter or thing the doing or performance of which forms part of the practice of veterinary science, in the course of the person’s employment with and under the direction of a veterinary surgeon.
An application under this section—
shall be in the approved form;
shall contain the prescribed particulars;
shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee;
shall be supported by such evidence as the board requires.
The board shall consider each application made under this section and may grant or refuse it, and where the board grants an application it shall issue an approval.
Also, if the board considers it appropriate in the circumstances, the board may refuse an application for registration as a veterinary surgeon if satisfied the applicant is not suitable to be registered because the applicant has, under the law of another State—
applied for registration as a veterinary practitioner in that State and the application was refused by the registering authority for that State; or
been disqualified from applying, or is not entitled to apply, for registration as a veterinary practitioner in that State.
Subsections (3) and (3A) apply despite subsection (1) .
An approval granted and issued under this section—
shall be in the approved form;
shall be subject to such terms, conditions or restrictions as are prescribed, and specified therein;
shall remain in force—
until the person to whom it was granted is registered under this Act as a veterinary surgeon; or
until the expiration of the period of 5 years commencing on the date on which the approval was granted;
whichever first occurs, and thereupon shall cease to be of any force or effect.
Where a person in respect of whom an approval is in force under this section—
is convicted in the State of an indictable offence, or elsewhere of an offence which, if committed in the State, would be an indictable offence;
is convicted of an offence against this Act;
is adjudged by the board after an inquiry to have engaged in misconduct which, if the person had been a veterinary surgeon, would be misconduct in a professional respect;
contravenes or fails to comply with any term, condition or restriction subject to which the approval was granted;
the board may cancel the approval or suspend the approval for such period as the board decides.
Where an approval is suspended under subsection (5) that approval shall be of no force or effect during the period of suspension and shall remain in force only for the period during which it would have remained in force but for the suspension.
s 18A ins 1973 No. 86 s 12
amd 1986 No. 6 s 20 ; 1990 No. 65 s 9 ; 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1 ; 2001 No. 63 s 58 sch ; 2006 No. 48 s 33 sch ; 2009 No. 24 s 836
(sec.18A-ssec.1) The board may upon application grant approval to a person who possesses the qualifications specified in section 18 (1) (b) , but who has not complied with the further requirements specified in section 18 (2) , to do or perform any act, procedure, matter or thing the doing or performance of which forms part of the practice of veterinary science, in the course of the person’s employment with and under the direction of a veterinary surgeon.
(sec.18A-ssec.2) An application under this section— shall be in the approved form; shall contain the prescribed particulars; shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee; shall be supported by such evidence as the board requires.
(sec.18A-ssec.3) The board shall consider each application made under this section and may grant or refuse it, and where the board grants an application it shall issue an approval.
(sec.18A-ssec.3A) Also, if the board considers it appropriate in the circumstances, the board may refuse an application for registration as a veterinary surgeon if satisfied the applicant is not suitable to be registered because the applicant has, under the law of another State— applied for registration as a veterinary practitioner in that State and the application was refused by the registering authority for that State; or been disqualified from applying, or is not entitled to apply, for registration as a veterinary practitioner in that State.
(sec.18A-ssec.3B) Subsections (3) and (3A) apply despite subsection (1) .
(sec.18A-ssec.4) An approval granted and issued under this section— shall be in the approved form; shall be subject to such terms, conditions or restrictions as are prescribed, and specified therein; shall remain in force— until the person to whom it was granted is registered under this Act as a veterinary surgeon; or until the expiration of the period of 5 years commencing on the date on which the approval was granted; whichever first occurs, and thereupon shall cease to be of any force or effect.
(sec.18A-ssec.5) Where a person in respect of whom an approval is in force under this section— is convicted in the State of an indictable offence, or elsewhere of an offence which, if committed in the State, would be an indictable offence; is convicted of an offence against this Act; is adjudged by the board after an inquiry to have engaged in misconduct which, if the person had been a veterinary surgeon, would be misconduct in a professional respect; contravenes or fails to comply with any term, condition or restriction subject to which the approval was granted; the board may cancel the approval or suspend the approval for such period as the board decides.
(sec.18A-ssec.6) Where an approval is suspended under subsection (5) that approval shall be of no force or effect during the period of suspension and shall remain in force only for the period during which it would have remained in force but for the suspension.
(a) shall be in the approved form;
(b) shall contain the prescribed particulars;
(c) shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee;
(d) shall be supported by such evidence as the board requires.
(a) applied for registration as a veterinary practitioner in that State and the application was refused by the registering authority for that State; or
(b) been disqualified from applying, or is not entitled to apply, for registration as a veterinary practitioner in that State.
(a) shall be in the approved form;
(b) shall be subject to such terms, conditions or restrictions as are prescribed, and specified therein;
(c) shall remain in force— (i) until the person to whom it was granted is registered under this Act as a veterinary surgeon; or (ii) until the expiration of the period of 5 years commencing on the date on which the approval was granted;
(i) until the person to whom it was granted is registered under this Act as a veterinary surgeon; or
(ii) until the expiration of the period of 5 years commencing on the date on which the approval was granted;
(i) until the person to whom it was granted is registered under this Act as a veterinary surgeon; or
(ii) until the expiration of the period of 5 years commencing on the date on which the approval was granted;
(a) is convicted in the State of an indictable offence, or elsewhere of an offence which, if committed in the State, would be an indictable offence;
(b) is convicted of an offence against this Act;
(c) is adjudged by the board after an inquiry to have engaged in misconduct which, if the person had been a veterinary surgeon, would be misconduct in a professional respect;
(d) contravenes or fails to comply with any term, condition or restriction subject to which the approval was granted;
sec.18B
Deemed registration as veterinary surgeon
sec.18B Deemed registration as veterinary surgeon
A person who is a veterinary practitioner is taken to be registered as a veterinary surgeon under this Act.
The person’s registration as a veterinary surgeon is subject to the same conditions, limitations or restrictions that apply to the person’s registration in another State as a veterinary practitioner.
s 18B prev s 18B ins 1990 No. 65 s 10
om 2001 No. 63 s 48
pres s 18B ins 2013 No. 41 s 87
(sec.18B-ssec.1) A person who is a veterinary practitioner is taken to be registered as a veterinary surgeon under this Act.
(sec.18B-ssec.2) The person’s registration as a veterinary surgeon is subject to the same conditions, limitations or restrictions that apply to the person’s registration in another State as a veterinary practitioner.
sec.19
Application for registration
sec.19 Application for registration
Application to the board for registration as a veterinary surgeon or as a veterinary specialist shall—
be made in the approved form; and
be supported by such evidence as the board may require; and
be accompanied by the prescribed fee, save where exemption from the payment thereof is provided for in the regulations.
The approved form must provide for the inclusion of the applicant’s contact information.
To remove any doubt, it is declared that a person who is taken to be registered as a veterinary surgeon under section 18B is not required to—
apply for registration under this section; or
pay the prescribed fee mentioned in subsection (1) (c) .
However, a person—
who is taken to be registered as a veterinary surgeon under section 18B ; and
whose principal place of residence will be in Queensland after the expiry of the person’s registration in another State as a veterinary practitioner (the interstate registration ); and
who intends to carry on practice as a veterinary surgeon in Queensland after the expiry of the interstate registration;
must apply for registration in Queensland before the expiry of the interstate registration.
s 19 amd 1973 No. 86 s 13 ; 1986 No. 6 s 21 ; 2006 No. 48 s 40 ; 2013 No. 41 s 88
(sec.19-ssec.1) Application to the board for registration as a veterinary surgeon or as a veterinary specialist shall— be made in the approved form; and be supported by such evidence as the board may require; and be accompanied by the prescribed fee, save where exemption from the payment thereof is provided for in the regulations.
(sec.19-ssec.2) The approved form must provide for the inclusion of the applicant’s contact information.
(sec.19-ssec.3) To remove any doubt, it is declared that a person who is taken to be registered as a veterinary surgeon under section 18B is not required to— apply for registration under this section; or pay the prescribed fee mentioned in subsection (1) (c) .
(sec.19-ssec.4) However, a person— who is taken to be registered as a veterinary surgeon under section 18B ; and whose principal place of residence will be in Queensland after the expiry of the person’s registration in another State as a veterinary practitioner (the interstate registration ); and who intends to carry on practice as a veterinary surgeon in Queensland after the expiry of the interstate registration; must apply for registration in Queensland before the expiry of the interstate registration.
(a) be made in the approved form; and
(b) be supported by such evidence as the board may require; and
(c) be accompanied by the prescribed fee, save where exemption from the payment thereof is provided for in the regulations.
(a) apply for registration under this section; or
(b) pay the prescribed fee mentioned in subsection (1) (c) .
(a) who is taken to be registered as a veterinary surgeon under section 18B ; and
(b) whose principal place of residence will be in Queensland after the expiry of the person’s registration in another State as a veterinary practitioner (the interstate registration ); and
(c) who intends to carry on practice as a veterinary surgeon in Queensland after the expiry of the interstate registration;
sec.19A
Provisional registration
sec.19A Provisional registration
Where a person has applied to the board in the approved form to be registered as a veterinary surgeon and has paid the prescribed fee for registration, the chairperson or in the absence of the chairperson a member of the board authorised generally in that behalf by the board, upon being satisfied that such person is entitled to be registered as a veterinary surgeon, may ask the registrar to grant to the person a certificate in the approved form of provisional registration as a veterinary surgeon.
The registrar must comply with a request under subsection (1) .
A person to whom a certificate of provisional registration as a veterinary surgeon has been granted shall be deemed to be registered under this Act as a veterinary surgeon and this Act shall apply to and with respect to that person accordingly—
until the date stated in the certificate; or
until such later date as is fixed by the board.
The date stated or the later date fixed by the board under subsection (3) must not in any case be more than 3 months from the date on which the certificate was granted.
Despite subsections (1) to (3) , the board may at any time before the date stated or fixed, as the case may be, cancel a certificate granted and thereupon the person to whom it was granted shall cease to be deemed to be registered as a veterinary surgeon under this Act, and the cancellation shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to be a refusal by the board of the application of that person to be registered as a veterinary surgeon.
If a person to whom a certificate of provisional registration has been granted becomes registered as a veterinary surgeon while that certificate is still in force, the person’s registration shall, unless otherwise decided by the board, date from the granting of that certificate.
s 19A ins 1973 No. 86 s 14
amd 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1 ; 2001 No. 63 s 58 sch ; 2006 No. 48 s 41
(sec.19A-ssec.1) Where a person has applied to the board in the approved form to be registered as a veterinary surgeon and has paid the prescribed fee for registration, the chairperson or in the absence of the chairperson a member of the board authorised generally in that behalf by the board, upon being satisfied that such person is entitled to be registered as a veterinary surgeon, may ask the registrar to grant to the person a certificate in the approved form of provisional registration as a veterinary surgeon.
(sec.19A-ssec.2) The registrar must comply with a request under subsection (1) .
(sec.19A-ssec.3) A person to whom a certificate of provisional registration as a veterinary surgeon has been granted shall be deemed to be registered under this Act as a veterinary surgeon and this Act shall apply to and with respect to that person accordingly— until the date stated in the certificate; or until such later date as is fixed by the board.
(sec.19A-ssec.4) The date stated or the later date fixed by the board under subsection (3) must not in any case be more than 3 months from the date on which the certificate was granted.
(sec.19A-ssec.5) Despite subsections (1) to (3) , the board may at any time before the date stated or fixed, as the case may be, cancel a certificate granted and thereupon the person to whom it was granted shall cease to be deemed to be registered as a veterinary surgeon under this Act, and the cancellation shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to be a refusal by the board of the application of that person to be registered as a veterinary surgeon.
(sec.19A-ssec.6) If a person to whom a certificate of provisional registration has been granted becomes registered as a veterinary surgeon while that certificate is still in force, the person’s registration shall, unless otherwise decided by the board, date from the granting of that certificate.
(a) until the date stated in the certificate; or
(b) until such later date as is fixed by the board.
sec.19B
Registration for limited period
sec.19B Registration for limited period
A person may apply to the board to be registered as a veterinary surgeon for a period not exceeding 30 days.
The application must be—
in the approved form; and
accompanied by the fee prescribed under a regulation.
The chairperson or an authorised member of the board may direct the registrar to register the person as a veterinary surgeon for not more than 30 days if satisfied the person is registered as a veterinary surgeon under a law of New Zealand.
The registrar must comply with the direction.
If the person’s registration as a veterinary surgeon under a law of New Zealand is suspended or cancelled—
the person’s registration under subsection (3) ceases to have effect on the day the registration is suspended or cancelled; and
the board must remove the person’s name from the register of veterinary surgeons.
s 19B ins 1986 No. 6 s 22
amd 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1 ; 2001 No. 63 s 49 ; 2013 No. 41 s 89
(sec.19B-ssec.1) A person may apply to the board to be registered as a veterinary surgeon for a period not exceeding 30 days.
(sec.19B-ssec.2) The application must be— in the approved form; and accompanied by the fee prescribed under a regulation.
(sec.19B-ssec.3) The chairperson or an authorised member of the board may direct the registrar to register the person as a veterinary surgeon for not more than 30 days if satisfied the person is registered as a veterinary surgeon under a law of New Zealand.
(sec.19B-ssec.4) The registrar must comply with the direction.
(sec.19B-ssec.5) If the person’s registration as a veterinary surgeon under a law of New Zealand is suspended or cancelled— the person’s registration under subsection (3) ceases to have effect on the day the registration is suspended or cancelled; and the board must remove the person’s name from the register of veterinary surgeons.
(a) in the approved form; and
(b) accompanied by the fee prescribed under a regulation.
(a) the person’s registration under subsection (3) ceases to have effect on the day the registration is suspended or cancelled; and
(b) the board must remove the person’s name from the register of veterinary surgeons.
sec.19C
Registration of veterinary specialists
sec.19C Registration of veterinary specialists
A veterinary surgeon shall be entitled to be registered as a veterinary specialist if the veterinary surgeon applies to the board in the approved form, pays the prescribed fee and satisfies the board that—
he or she has gained special skill in the veterinary specialty with respect to which he or she applies to be registered; and
the special skill was gained in practising veterinary science for a period of at least 5 years; and
he or she is the holder of a degree, diploma or other qualification recognised by regulation that relates to that veterinary specialty.
The board may refer an application made under subsection (1) to the body known as the advisory committee on registration of veterinary specialists for the purpose of obtaining its advice in respect of the application.
s 19C ins 1986 No. 6 s 22
amd 1994 No. 15 s 3 sch 1 ; 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1 ; 2001 No. 63 s 58 sch
(sec.19C-ssec.1) A veterinary surgeon shall be entitled to be registered as a veterinary specialist if the veterinary surgeon applies to the board in the approved form, pays the prescribed fee and satisfies the board that— he or she has gained special skill in the veterinary specialty with respect to which he or she applies to be registered; and the special skill was gained in practising veterinary science for a period of at least 5 years; and he or she is the holder of a degree, diploma or other qualification recognised by regulation that relates to that veterinary specialty.
(sec.19C-ssec.2) The board may refer an application made under subsection (1) to the body known as the advisory committee on registration of veterinary specialists for the purpose of obtaining its advice in respect of the application.
(a) he or she has gained special skill in the veterinary specialty with respect to which he or she applies to be registered; and
(b) the special skill was gained in practising veterinary science for a period of at least 5 years; and
(c) he or she is the holder of a degree, diploma or other qualification recognised by regulation that relates to that veterinary specialty.
sec.19CA
Deemed registration of veterinary specialists
sec.19CA Deemed registration of veterinary specialists
This section applies to a veterinary practitioner—
who is taken to be registered as a veterinary surgeon under section 18B ; and
whose registration as a veterinary practitioner in another State provides, by endorsement or otherwise, that the veterinary practitioner is qualified to practise as a veterinary specialist in that State; and
whose qualification to practice as a veterinary specialist in the other State was gained after practising veterinary science for a period of at least 5 years.
The veterinary practitioner is taken to be registered as a veterinary specialist under this Act if the specialty in which the veterinary practitioner is qualified to practise in the other State is a veterinary specialty under this Act.
s 19CA ins 2013 No. 41 s 90
(sec.19CA-ssec.1) This section applies to a veterinary practitioner— who is taken to be registered as a veterinary surgeon under section 18B ; and whose registration as a veterinary practitioner in another State provides, by endorsement or otherwise, that the veterinary practitioner is qualified to practise as a veterinary specialist in that State; and whose qualification to practice as a veterinary specialist in the other State was gained after practising veterinary science for a period of at least 5 years.
(sec.19CA-ssec.2) The veterinary practitioner is taken to be registered as a veterinary specialist under this Act if the specialty in which the veterinary practitioner is qualified to practise in the other State is a veterinary specialty under this Act.
(a) who is taken to be registered as a veterinary surgeon under section 18B ; and
(b) whose registration as a veterinary practitioner in another State provides, by endorsement or otherwise, that the veterinary practitioner is qualified to practise as a veterinary specialist in that State; and
(c) whose qualification to practice as a veterinary specialist in the other State was gained after practising veterinary science for a period of at least 5 years.
sec.19D
Veterinary specialties
sec.19D Veterinary specialties
The Governor in Council may, by regulation prescribe the branches of veterinary science which are to be veterinary specialties in respect of which a veterinary surgeon may be registered as a veterinary specialist.
s 19D ins 1986 No. 6 s 22
amd 1994 No. 15 s 3 sch 1 ; 2001 No. 63 s 58 sch
sec.19E
Special registration
sec.19E Special registration
A person is entitled to special registration as a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary specialist if, on application made to the board by the person, the board is satisfied that the person—
is entitled under a law in force in a place outside Australia to practise veterinary science in that place; and
is seeking registration to engage in research or teaching in veterinary science at the University of Queensland or James Cook University; and
has qualifications in veterinary science, and experience in the practice of veterinary science, appropriate for research or teaching in veterinary science.
The application must be—
in writing in a form approved by the board; and
accompanied by the fee prescribed under a regulation.
Special registration granted to a person under this section is subject to the following conditions—
the person must pay to the registrar, for each 12 month period of registration, the fee prescribed under a regulation;
the conditions prescribed under a regulation;
any other conditions that are—
not inconsistent with a condition mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) ; and
decided by the board.
The board may remove from the register of veterinary surgeons the name of a person to whom special registration has been granted or suspend for such period as it thinks fit the special registration of a person where—
the board is of the opinion that the person has engaged in misconduct in a professional respect; or
the person is convicted in the State of an indictable offence, or elsewhere of an offence which, if committed in the State, would be an indictable offence; or
the person contravenes a condition of the registration.
s 19E ins 1990 No. 65 s 11
amd 2001 No. 63 s 58 sch ; 2006 No. 48 s 33 sch ; 2009 No. 24 s 837 ; 2010 No. 10 s 18
(sec.19E-ssec.1) A person is entitled to special registration as a veterinary surgeon or a veterinary specialist if, on application made to the board by the person, the board is satisfied that the person— is entitled under a law in force in a place outside Australia to practise veterinary science in that place; and is seeking registration to engage in research or teaching in veterinary science at the University of Queensland or James Cook University; and has qualifications in veterinary science, and experience in the practice of veterinary science, appropriate for research or teaching in veterinary science.
(sec.19E-ssec.2) The application must be— in writing in a form approved by the board; and accompanied by the fee prescribed under a regulation.
(sec.19E-ssec.3) Special registration granted to a person under this section is subject to the following conditions— the person must pay to the registrar, for each 12 month period of registration, the fee prescribed under a regulation; the conditions prescribed under a regulation; any other conditions that are— not inconsistent with a condition mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) ; and decided by the board.
(sec.19E-ssec.4) The board may remove from the register of veterinary surgeons the name of a person to whom special registration has been granted or suspend for such period as it thinks fit the special registration of a person where— the board is of the opinion that the person has engaged in misconduct in a professional respect; or the person is convicted in the State of an indictable offence, or elsewhere of an offence which, if committed in the State, would be an indictable offence; or the person contravenes a condition of the registration.
(a) is entitled under a law in force in a place outside Australia to practise veterinary science in that place; and
(b) is seeking registration to engage in research or teaching in veterinary science at the University of Queensland or James Cook University; and
(c) has qualifications in veterinary science, and experience in the practice of veterinary science, appropriate for research or teaching in veterinary science.
(a) in writing in a form approved by the board; and
(b) accompanied by the fee prescribed under a regulation.
(a) the person must pay to the registrar, for each 12 month period of registration, the fee prescribed under a regulation;
(b) the conditions prescribed under a regulation;
(c) any other conditions that are— (i) not inconsistent with a condition mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) ; and (ii) decided by the board.
(i) not inconsistent with a condition mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) ; and
(ii) decided by the board.
(i) not inconsistent with a condition mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) ; and
(ii) decided by the board.
(a) the board is of the opinion that the person has engaged in misconduct in a professional respect; or
(b) the person is convicted in the State of an indictable offence, or elsewhere of an offence which, if committed in the State, would be an indictable offence; or
(c) the person contravenes a condition of the registration.
sec.20
Certificates of registration
sec.20 Certificates of registration
The board may issue certificates of registration in the approved form.
s 20 amd 2006 No. 48 s 42
sec.21
Removal from register and suspension
sec.21 Removal from register and suspension
The board may remove from the register of veterinary surgeons the name of any person—
who becomes incapable of performing the duties of a veterinary surgeon because of physical or mental incapacity; or
whose name has been ordered to be so removed by the tribunal; or
who has had his or her qualification for registration as a veterinary surgeon withdrawn or cancelled by the university, college or other body by which it was awarded; or
who has requested the board in writing so to do; or
who is deceased.
Where the name of a veterinary surgeon who is also a veterinary specialist is removed from the register of veterinary surgeons pursuant to subsection (1) the board shall also remove the name from the register of veterinary specialists.
The board may remove from the register of veterinary specialists the name of any person who has had his or her qualification for registration as a veterinary specialist withdrawn or cancelled by the university, college or other body by which it was awarded.
A suspension of the registration of a veterinary surgeon pursuant to this Act shall—
while the suspension continues in force, have the same effect as a removal of the name of the suspended person from the register of veterinary surgeons under this Act;
where the person is also a veterinary specialist and while the suspension continues in force, have the same effect as a removal of the name of the suspended person from the register of veterinary specialists under this Act.
s 21 prev s 21 om 1973 No. 86 s 15
pres s 21 ins 1986 No. 6 s 23
amd 1996 No. 25 s 28 sch 1
(sec.21-ssec.1) The board may remove from the register of veterinary surgeons the name of any person— who becomes incapable of performing the duties of a veterinary surgeon because of physical or mental incapacity; or whose name has been ordered to be so removed by the tribunal; or who has had his or her qualification for registration as a veterinary surgeon withdrawn or cancelled by the university, college or other body by which it was awarded; or who has requested the board in writing so to do; or who is deceased.
(sec.21-ssec.2) Where the name of a veterinary surgeon who is also a veterinary specialist is removed from the register of veterinary surgeons pursuant to subsection (1) the board shall also remove the name from the register of veterinary specialists.
(sec.21-ssec.3) The board may remove from the register of veterinary specialists the name of any person who has had his or her qualification for registration as a veterinary specialist withdrawn or cancelled by the university, college or other body by which it was awarded.
(sec.21-ssec.4) A suspension of the registration of a veterinary surgeon pursuant to this Act shall— while the suspension continues in force, have the same effect as a removal of the name of the suspended person from the register of veterinary surgeons under this Act; where the person is also a veterinary specialist and while the suspension continues in force, have the same effect as a removal of the name of the suspended person from the register of veterinary specialists under this Act.
(a) who becomes incapable of performing the duties of a veterinary surgeon because of physical or mental incapacity; or
(b) whose name has been ordered to be so removed by the tribunal; or
(c) who has had his or her qualification for registration as a veterinary surgeon withdrawn or cancelled by the university, college or other body by which it was awarded; or
(d) who has requested the board in writing so to do; or
(e) who is deceased.
(a) while the suspension continues in force, have the same effect as a removal of the name of the suspended person from the register of veterinary surgeons under this Act;
(b) where the person is also a veterinary specialist and while the suspension continues in force, have the same effect as a removal of the name of the suspended person from the register of veterinary specialists under this Act.
pt.4-div.2
Matters about conduct of veterinary surgeons
Matters about conduct of veterinary surgeons
sec.22
Investigation by board
sec.22 Investigation by board
The board may of its own motion or upon the complaint of a person aggrieved cause an investigation to be made of the conduct of a veterinary surgeon.
A person aggrieved by the conduct of a veterinary surgeon who desires to complain of such conduct shall furnish to the board the person’s complaint in writing.
The board may require that the writing be in the form of a statutory declaration made pursuant to the Oaths Act 1867 .
Where the board is of the opinion that there is sufficient evidence available with which to establish a prima facie case of misconduct in a professional respect against a veterinary surgeon it may proceed pursuant to section 22A or refer the matter, as provided under the QCAT Act , to the tribunal to hear and decide the matter.
The referral to the tribunal must be accompanied by sufficient particulars to inform the tribunal and the veterinary surgeon of the matter alleged against the veterinary surgeon.
s 22 amd 1973 No. 86 s 16
sub 1986 No. 6 s 24
amd 2006 No. 48 s 33 sch ; 2009 No. 24 s 838
(sec.22-ssec.1) The board may of its own motion or upon the complaint of a person aggrieved cause an investigation to be made of the conduct of a veterinary surgeon.
(sec.22-ssec.2) A person aggrieved by the conduct of a veterinary surgeon who desires to complain of such conduct shall furnish to the board the person’s complaint in writing.
(sec.22-ssec.2A) The board may require that the writing be in the form of a statutory declaration made pursuant to the Oaths Act 1867 .
(sec.22-ssec.3) Where the board is of the opinion that there is sufficient evidence available with which to establish a prima facie case of misconduct in a professional respect against a veterinary surgeon it may proceed pursuant to section 22A or refer the matter, as provided under the QCAT Act , to the tribunal to hear and decide the matter.
(sec.22-ssec.4) The referral to the tribunal must be accompanied by sufficient particulars to inform the tribunal and the veterinary surgeon of the matter alleged against the veterinary surgeon.
sec.22A
Board may take disciplinary action
sec.22A Board may take disciplinary action
Subject to section 22B , where the board is of the opinion that a veterinary surgeon has engaged in misconduct in a professional respect, it may, instead of referring the matter to the tribunal—
order the veterinary surgeon to pay to the board by way of penalty a specified sum of money in no case exceeding 10 penalty units; or
admonish or reprimand the veterinary surgeon; or
adjourn the matter of dealing with the veterinary surgeon pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) for a period not exceeding 12 months.
An order made pursuant to subsection (1) (a) may contain a direction that the registration of the veterinary surgeon concerned be suspended for a specified period if the veterinary surgeon fails to pay the sum of money to the board within a specified time and, if the money is not paid within that time, his or her registration as a veterinary surgeon shall be suspended accordingly.
Suspension pursuant to subsection (2) shall be in addition to and not in lieu of payment of the sum of money.
Where the board adjourns a matter for a period pursuant to subsection (1) (c) it shall reconsider the matter at the end of that period and, taking into consideration the conduct, demeanour and behaviour of the veterinary surgeon concerned during that period, proceed pursuant to subsection (1) (a) or (b) or take no further action.
Where the board deals with a veterinary surgeon pursuant to subsection (1) it may order the veterinary surgeon to pay to the board such costs as it thinks fit.
s 22A ins 1973 No. 86 s 17
sub 1986 No. 6 s 24
amd 1990 No. 65 s 23 : 2009 No. 24 s 839
(sec.22A-ssec.1) Subject to section 22B , where the board is of the opinion that a veterinary surgeon has engaged in misconduct in a professional respect, it may, instead of referring the matter to the tribunal— order the veterinary surgeon to pay to the board by way of penalty a specified sum of money in no case exceeding 10 penalty units; or admonish or reprimand the veterinary surgeon; or adjourn the matter of dealing with the veterinary surgeon pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) for a period not exceeding 12 months.
(sec.22A-ssec.2) An order made pursuant to subsection (1) (a) may contain a direction that the registration of the veterinary surgeon concerned be suspended for a specified period if the veterinary surgeon fails to pay the sum of money to the board within a specified time and, if the money is not paid within that time, his or her registration as a veterinary surgeon shall be suspended accordingly.
(sec.22A-ssec.2A) Suspension pursuant to subsection (2) shall be in addition to and not in lieu of payment of the sum of money.
(sec.22A-ssec.3) Where the board adjourns a matter for a period pursuant to subsection (1) (c) it shall reconsider the matter at the end of that period and, taking into consideration the conduct, demeanour and behaviour of the veterinary surgeon concerned during that period, proceed pursuant to subsection (1) (a) or (b) or take no further action.
(sec.22A-ssec.4) Where the board deals with a veterinary surgeon pursuant to subsection (1) it may order the veterinary surgeon to pay to the board such costs as it thinks fit.
(a) order the veterinary surgeon to pay to the board by way of penalty a specified sum of money in no case exceeding 10 penalty units; or
(b) admonish or reprimand the veterinary surgeon; or
(c) adjourn the matter of dealing with the veterinary surgeon pursuant to paragraph (a) or (b) for a period not exceeding 12 months.
sec.22B
Board to give notice of its intention to proceed pursuant to s 22A
sec.22B Board to give notice of its intention to proceed pursuant to s 22A
Before dealing with a veterinary surgeon pursuant to section 22A (1) the board shall give to the veterinary surgeon written notice of its intention so to do and shall state in the notice—
the misconduct in a professional respect in which, in the opinion of the board, the veterinary surgeon has engaged; and
that within the time specified in the notice, which time shall not be earlier than 14 days after the date of the notice, the veterinary surgeon may—
make written representations to the board concerning the alleged misconduct; or
request the board to hear him or her in relation to the alleged misconduct; or
require the board to refer the matter to the tribunal to hear and decide the alleged misconduct.
Where a veterinary surgeon requests the board to hear him or her in relation to the alleged misconduct the board shall advise the veterinary surgeon of a time and place at which the veterinary surgeon may appear before the board and the veterinary surgeon may at that time and place appear before the board and himself or herself make representations to it concerning the alleged misconduct.
In dealing with a veterinary surgeon pursuant to section 22A (1) , the board shall give due consideration and weight to any representations made by the veterinary surgeon concerned in relation to the alleged misconduct.
If the veterinary surgeon requires the board to refer the matter to the tribunal, the board must not act under section 22A in relation to the veterinary surgeon.
s 22B ins 1973 No. 86 s 17
sub 1986 No. 6 s 24
amd 2009 No. 24 s 840
(sec.22B-ssec.1) Before dealing with a veterinary surgeon pursuant to section 22A (1) the board shall give to the veterinary surgeon written notice of its intention so to do and shall state in the notice— the misconduct in a professional respect in which, in the opinion of the board, the veterinary surgeon has engaged; and that within the time specified in the notice, which time shall not be earlier than 14 days after the date of the notice, the veterinary surgeon may— make written representations to the board concerning the alleged misconduct; or request the board to hear him or her in relation to the alleged misconduct; or require the board to refer the matter to the tribunal to hear and decide the alleged misconduct.
(sec.22B-ssec.2) Where a veterinary surgeon requests the board to hear him or her in relation to the alleged misconduct the board shall advise the veterinary surgeon of a time and place at which the veterinary surgeon may appear before the board and the veterinary surgeon may at that time and place appear before the board and himself or herself make representations to it concerning the alleged misconduct.
(sec.22B-ssec.3) In dealing with a veterinary surgeon pursuant to section 22A (1) , the board shall give due consideration and weight to any representations made by the veterinary surgeon concerned in relation to the alleged misconduct.
(sec.22B-ssec.4) If the veterinary surgeon requires the board to refer the matter to the tribunal, the board must not act under section 22A in relation to the veterinary surgeon.
(a) the misconduct in a professional respect in which, in the opinion of the board, the veterinary surgeon has engaged; and
(b) that within the time specified in the notice, which time shall not be earlier than 14 days after the date of the notice, the veterinary surgeon may— (i) make written representations to the board concerning the alleged misconduct; or (ii) request the board to hear him or her in relation to the alleged misconduct; or (iii) require the board to refer the matter to the tribunal to hear and decide the alleged misconduct.
(i) make written representations to the board concerning the alleged misconduct; or
(ii) request the board to hear him or her in relation to the alleged misconduct; or
(iii) require the board to refer the matter to the tribunal to hear and decide the alleged misconduct.
(i) make written representations to the board concerning the alleged misconduct; or
(ii) request the board to hear him or her in relation to the alleged misconduct; or
(iii) require the board to refer the matter to the tribunal to hear and decide the alleged misconduct.
sec.22C
Board may apply to tribunal for an order to remove the name of a veterinary surgeon from the register
sec.22C Board may apply to tribunal for an order to remove the name of a veterinary surgeon from the register
Where a veterinary surgeon is convicted in Queensland or elsewhere of an offence, whether indictable or not, which in the opinion of the board renders the veterinary surgeon unfit to practise veterinary science the board may apply to the tribunal for an order that the name of the veterinary surgeon be removed from the register of veterinary surgeons.
An application made pursuant to this section shall contain or be accompanied by sufficient particulars to inform the tribunal and the veterinary surgeon concerned of the matter alleged in the application.
Where the tribunal is satisfied that the veterinary surgeon has been convicted of an offence, whether in Queensland or elsewhere and whether indictable or not, of such a nature that it renders the veterinary surgeon unfit to practise veterinary science the tribunal may order that the veterinary surgeon’s name be removed from the register of veterinary surgeons.
In proceedings brought pursuant to this section the tribunal shall have regard to the facts and circumstances surrounding the commission of the offence of which it is alleged that the veterinary surgeon concerned has been convicted and which are adduced in evidence before it.
s 22C ins 1986 No. 6 s 25
amd 2001 No. 63 s 58 sch
(sec.22C-ssec.1) Where a veterinary surgeon is convicted in Queensland or elsewhere of an offence, whether indictable or not, which in the opinion of the board renders the veterinary surgeon unfit to practise veterinary science the board may apply to the tribunal for an order that the name of the veterinary surgeon be removed from the register of veterinary surgeons.
(sec.22C-ssec.2) An application made pursuant to this section shall contain or be accompanied by sufficient particulars to inform the tribunal and the veterinary surgeon concerned of the matter alleged in the application.
(sec.22C-ssec.3) Where the tribunal is satisfied that the veterinary surgeon has been convicted of an offence, whether in Queensland or elsewhere and whether indictable or not, of such a nature that it renders the veterinary surgeon unfit to practise veterinary science the tribunal may order that the veterinary surgeon’s name be removed from the register of veterinary surgeons.
(sec.22C-ssec.4) In proceedings brought pursuant to this section the tribunal shall have regard to the facts and circumstances surrounding the commission of the offence of which it is alleged that the veterinary surgeon concerned has been convicted and which are adduced in evidence before it.
sec.22D
Where veterinary surgeon medically unfit
sec.22D Where veterinary surgeon medically unfit
If it comes to the notice of the board, whether by reason of an investigation conducted by it or otherwise, that a veterinary surgeon may be medically unfit to practise veterinary science it may appoint a committee consisting of medical practitioners (the committee ) to decide whether or not the veterinary surgeon is medically fit to practise veterinary science.
The board may, by written notice given to the veterinary surgeon, require the veterinary surgeon to appear before the committee and on being so required the veterinary surgeon shall report to the committee at a time and place specified in the notice and shall submit himself or herself to examination by the committee and to such tests and other examinations as the committee may require.
Upon completing its examination of the veterinary surgeon and considering the results of the tests and other examinations the committee shall report to the board on the veterinary surgeon’s medical fitness to practise veterinary science.
Where the veterinary surgeon fails to report to the committee or fails to submit himself or herself when and as required pursuant to subsection (2) , the committee shall report the veterinary surgeon’s failure to the board.
Where the committee’s report states that the veterinary surgeon is medically unfit to practise veterinary science or failed to report to it or failed to submit himself or herself to a test or examination when and as required pursuant to subsection (2) , the board may by notice in writing given to the veterinary surgeon call upon the veterinary surgeon to show cause before the tribunal at a time and place specified in the notice as to why the veterinary surgeon’s name should not be removed from the register of veterinary surgeons.
If at the time and place specified in the notice given under subsection (5) or at the time and place to which the proceedings to show cause are adjourned, the veterinary surgeon to whom the notice was given fails to appear or, having appeared, fails to show to the satisfaction of the tribunal that the veterinary surgeon is medically fit to practise veterinary science, the tribunal may order that the veterinary surgeon’s name be removed from the register of veterinary surgeons.
s 22D ins 1986 No. 6 s 25
amd 2001 No. 7 s 302 sch 2 ; 2001 No. 63 s 58 sch ; 2006 No. 48 s 33 sch
(sec.22D-ssec.1) If it comes to the notice of the board, whether by reason of an investigation conducted by it or otherwise, that a veterinary surgeon may be medically unfit to practise veterinary science it may appoint a committee consisting of medical practitioners (the committee ) to decide whether or not the veterinary surgeon is medically fit to practise veterinary science.
(sec.22D-ssec.2) The board may, by written notice given to the veterinary surgeon, require the veterinary surgeon to appear before the committee and on being so required the veterinary surgeon shall report to the committee at a time and place specified in the notice and shall submit himself or herself to examination by the committee and to such tests and other examinations as the committee may require.
(sec.22D-ssec.3) Upon completing its examination of the veterinary surgeon and considering the results of the tests and other examinations the committee shall report to the board on the veterinary surgeon’s medical fitness to practise veterinary science.
(sec.22D-ssec.4) Where the veterinary surgeon fails to report to the committee or fails to submit himself or herself when and as required pursuant to subsection (2) , the committee shall report the veterinary surgeon’s failure to the board.
(sec.22D-ssec.5) Where the committee’s report states that the veterinary surgeon is medically unfit to practise veterinary science or failed to report to it or failed to submit himself or herself to a test or examination when and as required pursuant to subsection (2) , the board may by notice in writing given to the veterinary surgeon call upon the veterinary surgeon to show cause before the tribunal at a time and place specified in the notice as to why the veterinary surgeon’s name should not be removed from the register of veterinary surgeons.
(sec.22D-ssec.6) If at the time and place specified in the notice given under subsection (5) or at the time and place to which the proceedings to show cause are adjourned, the veterinary surgeon to whom the notice was given fails to appear or, having appeared, fails to show to the satisfaction of the tribunal that the veterinary surgeon is medically fit to practise veterinary science, the tribunal may order that the veterinary surgeon’s name be removed from the register of veterinary surgeons.
sec.22E
Orders of tribunal for misconduct in a professional respect
sec.22E Orders of tribunal for misconduct in a professional respect
If the tribunal decides a veterinary surgeon has engaged in misconduct in a professional respect, it may—
order that the veterinary surgeon’s name be removed from the register of veterinary surgeons; or
order that the veterinary surgeon’s registration as a veterinary surgeon be suspended for a specified period; or
order that the veterinary surgeon pay to the board by way of penalty a specified sum of money in no case exceeding 40 penalty units; or
admonish or reprimand the veterinary surgeon.
An order made pursuant to subsection (1) (c) may contain a direction that the registration of the veterinary surgeon concerned be suspended for a specified period if the veterinary surgeon fails to pay the sum of money to the board within a specified time and, if the money is not paid within that time, the veterinary surgeon’s registration as a veterinary surgeon shall be suspended accordingly.
Suspension pursuant to subsection (2) shall be in addition to and not in lieu of payment of the sum of money.
s 22E ins 1986 No. 6 s 26
amd 1990 No. 65 s 23 ; 2009 No. 24 s 841
(sec.22E-ssec.1) If the tribunal decides a veterinary surgeon has engaged in misconduct in a professional respect, it may— order that the veterinary surgeon’s name be removed from the register of veterinary surgeons; or order that the veterinary surgeon’s registration as a veterinary surgeon be suspended for a specified period; or order that the veterinary surgeon pay to the board by way of penalty a specified sum of money in no case exceeding 40 penalty units; or admonish or reprimand the veterinary surgeon.
(sec.22E-ssec.2) An order made pursuant to subsection (1) (c) may contain a direction that the registration of the veterinary surgeon concerned be suspended for a specified period if the veterinary surgeon fails to pay the sum of money to the board within a specified time and, if the money is not paid within that time, the veterinary surgeon’s registration as a veterinary surgeon shall be suspended accordingly.
(sec.22E-ssec.3) Suspension pursuant to subsection (2) shall be in addition to and not in lieu of payment of the sum of money.
(a) order that the veterinary surgeon’s name be removed from the register of veterinary surgeons; or
(b) order that the veterinary surgeon’s registration as a veterinary surgeon be suspended for a specified period; or
(c) order that the veterinary surgeon pay to the board by way of penalty a specified sum of money in no case exceeding 40 penalty units; or
(d) admonish or reprimand the veterinary surgeon.
sec.22F
Misconduct in a professional respect
sec.22F Misconduct in a professional respect
Without limiting the ways a veterinary surgeon may engage in misconduct in a professional respect, a veterinary surgeon is engaging in misconduct in a professional respect if the veterinary surgeon—
is habitually drunk or is addicted to any deleterious drug; or
conducts any veterinary premises or other place for the practice of veterinary science where the veterinary surgeon himself or herself is not in full-time attendance thereat, unless a veterinary surgeon employed by him or her is in full-time attendance thereat for the purpose of practice and supervision during the hours at which such premises are open for the practice of veterinary science, and the name of such veterinary surgeon employed by him or her is conspicuously posted up or indicated on the premises by means of a name plate or other device in letters of equal dimensions to those of the veterinary surgeon’s name; or
signs or gives in his or her professional capacity a certificate, notice, report or like document that is incomplete or is false or misleading in a material respect; or
contravenes or fails to comply with, or counsels, procures, aids or abets another person to contravene or fail to comply with, or does or omits to do any act for the purpose of enabling another person to contravene or fail to comply with, any Act or other law with respect to dangerous drugs whether or not the contravention or failure to comply is the subject of court proceedings; or
practises fraud or deception in the practice of his or her profession; or
is negligent or incompetent in the practice of his or her profession; or
is convicted of an offence involving cruelty to an animal; or
fails to keep the premises on which the veterinary surgeon practises his or her profession and all equipment contained therein in a clean and sanitary condition; or
fails to keep such records as are prescribed or so far as are not prescribed as the board directs; or
assaults, resists, obstructs or hinders or threatens or intimidates a member or deputy member of the board or any officer of the board, in the exercise of his or her powers under this Act; or
directs or allows a person who is not a veterinary surgeon to practise veterinary science in relation to an animal under the veterinary surgeon’s care; or
holds out that a person who is not a veterinary surgeon may practise veterinary science; or
conducts a veterinary practice at premises other than veterinary premises; or
does not comply with a condition of an approval given under part 4A .
s 22F ins 1986 No. 6 s 26
amd 1990 No. 65 s 12 ; 2001 No. 63 ss 51 , 58 sch ; 2009 No. 24 s 842
(a) is habitually drunk or is addicted to any deleterious drug; or
(b) conducts any veterinary premises or other place for the practice of veterinary science where the veterinary surgeon himself or herself is not in full-time attendance thereat, unless a veterinary surgeon employed by him or her is in full-time attendance thereat for the purpose of practice and supervision during the hours at which such premises are open for the practice of veterinary science, and the name of such veterinary surgeon employed by him or her is conspicuously posted up or indicated on the premises by means of a name plate or other device in letters of equal dimensions to those of the veterinary surgeon’s name; or
(c) signs or gives in his or her professional capacity a certificate, notice, report or like document that is incomplete or is false or misleading in a material respect; or
(d) contravenes or fails to comply with, or counsels, procures, aids or abets another person to contravene or fail to comply with, or does or omits to do any act for the purpose of enabling another person to contravene or fail to comply with, any Act or other law with respect to dangerous drugs whether or not the contravention or failure to comply is the subject of court proceedings; or
(e) practises fraud or deception in the practice of his or her profession; or
(f) is negligent or incompetent in the practice of his or her profession; or
(g) is convicted of an offence involving cruelty to an animal; or
(h) fails to keep the premises on which the veterinary surgeon practises his or her profession and all equipment contained therein in a clean and sanitary condition; or
(i) fails to keep such records as are prescribed or so far as are not prescribed as the board directs; or
(j) assaults, resists, obstructs or hinders or threatens or intimidates a member or deputy member of the board or any officer of the board, in the exercise of his or her powers under this Act; or
(k) directs or allows a person who is not a veterinary surgeon to practise veterinary science in relation to an animal under the veterinary surgeon’s care; or
(l) holds out that a person who is not a veterinary surgeon may practise veterinary science; or
(m) conducts a veterinary practice at premises other than veterinary premises; or
(n) does not comply with a condition of an approval given under part 4A .
sec.22FA
Board to notify interstate registering authorities of disciplinary action
sec.22FA Board to notify interstate registering authorities of disciplinary action
If, under section 22C , 22D or 22E , the tribunal makes an order about a veterinary surgeon, or admonishes or reprimands a veterinary surgeon, the board must give each registering authority of another State written notice of—
the order, admonishment or reprimand; and
for an order under section 22C or 22D —the grounds on which the order was made; and
for an order, admonishment or reprimand under section 22E —the details of the misconduct for which the order, admonishment or reprimand was made or given.
If the board takes action under section 22A (1) (a) or (b) in relation to a veterinary surgeon, the board must give each registering authority of another State written notice of—
the action; and
the details of the misconduct for which the action was taken.
A notice under subsection (1) or (2) must be given as soon as practicable after the order, admonishment or reprimand was made or given or the action was taken.
s 22FA ins 2013 No. 41 s 91
(sec.22FA-ssec.1) If, under section 22C , 22D or 22E , the tribunal makes an order about a veterinary surgeon, or admonishes or reprimands a veterinary surgeon, the board must give each registering authority of another State written notice of— the order, admonishment or reprimand; and for an order under section 22C or 22D —the grounds on which the order was made; and for an order, admonishment or reprimand under section 22E —the details of the misconduct for which the order, admonishment or reprimand was made or given.
(sec.22FA-ssec.2) If the board takes action under section 22A (1) (a) or (b) in relation to a veterinary surgeon, the board must give each registering authority of another State written notice of— the action; and the details of the misconduct for which the action was taken.
(sec.22FA-ssec.3) A notice under subsection (1) or (2) must be given as soon as practicable after the order, admonishment or reprimand was made or given or the action was taken.
(a) the order, admonishment or reprimand; and
(b) for an order under section 22C or 22D —the grounds on which the order was made; and
(c) for an order, admonishment or reprimand under section 22E —the details of the misconduct for which the order, admonishment or reprimand was made or given.
(a) the action; and
(b) the details of the misconduct for which the action was taken.
sec.22G
Section sec.22G
s 22G ins 1986 No. 6 s 27
amd 2006 No. 48 s 33 sch
om 2009 No. 24 s 843
pt.4-div.3
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
sec.22H
Review of particular decisions
sec.22H Review of particular decisions
Each of the following persons may apply, as provided under the QCAT Act , to the tribunal for a review of the decision stated for the person—
a person whose application to be registered as a veterinary surgeon is refused by the board, on any ground other than that the person does not possess the academic qualifications required to be registered as a veterinary surgeon;
a person whose application for approval to use premises as veterinary premises has been granted subject to a condition under section 25D , other than a condition mentioned in section 25G (2) ;
a person whose application for approval to use premises as veterinary premises has been refused under section 25E ;
a person whose approval to use premises as veterinary premises has been amended, suspended or cancelled under section 25J (3) .
s 22H ins 1986 No. 6 s 27
amd 2001 No. 63 s 53 ; 2006 No. 48 s 33 sch
sub 2009 No. 24 s 844
(a) a person whose application to be registered as a veterinary surgeon is refused by the board, on any ground other than that the person does not possess the academic qualifications required to be registered as a veterinary surgeon;
(b) a person whose application for approval to use premises as veterinary premises has been granted subject to a condition under section 25D , other than a condition mentioned in section 25G (2) ;
(c) a person whose application for approval to use premises as veterinary premises has been refused under section 25E ;
(d) a person whose approval to use premises as veterinary premises has been amended, suspended or cancelled under section 25J (3) .
sec.23
Surrender of certificate
sec.23 Surrender of certificate
A person whose name has been removed from a register under section 21 (1) (a) , (b) or (c) or whose registration as a veterinary surgeon has been suspended must, within 14 days from the date of receipt by that person of the notification of removal or suspension, surrender to the board every certificate of registration issued to the person under this Act.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
A person whose name has been removed from the register of veterinary surgeons under section 21 (1) (d) must, if asked in writing by the board, and within 14 days after receiving the request, give to the board each certificate of registration issued to the person under this Act.
Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
A requirement under this section does not apply to a person for a certificate of registration if the board is satisfied, on evidence satisfactory to the board, that the certificate has been lost or destroyed.
s 23 sub 1973 No. 86 s 18
amd 1986 No. 6 s 28 ; 2006 No. 48 s 43
(sec.23-ssec.1) A person whose name has been removed from a register under section 21 (1) (a) , (b) or (c) or whose registration as a veterinary surgeon has been suspended must, within 14 days from the date of receipt by that person of the notification of removal or suspension, surrender to the board every certificate of registration issued to the person under this Act. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.23-ssec.2) A person whose name has been removed from the register of veterinary surgeons under section 21 (1) (d) must, if asked in writing by the board, and within 14 days after receiving the request, give to the board each certificate of registration issued to the person under this Act. Maximum penalty—10 penalty units.
(sec.23-ssec.3) A requirement under this section does not apply to a person for a certificate of registration if the board is satisfied, on evidence satisfactory to the board, that the certificate has been lost or destroyed.
sec.24
Restoration of name
sec.24 Restoration of name
Where the board removes the name of any person from a register kept pursuant to this Act, the name of that person shall not be again entered on the register except by direction of the board or by order of the tribunal.
The board may if it thinks fit in any case restore to a register kept pursuant to this Act any name removed therefrom by order of the tribunal without payment of fee or on payment of such fee, not exceeding the registration fee, as the board may direct.
s 24 amd 1973 No. 86 s 19 ; 1986 No. 6 s 29 ; 2009 No. 24 s 845
(sec.24-ssec.1) Where the board removes the name of any person from a register kept pursuant to this Act, the name of that person shall not be again entered on the register except by direction of the board or by order of the tribunal.
(sec.24-ssec.2) The board may if it thinks fit in any case restore to a register kept pursuant to this Act any name removed therefrom by order of the tribunal without payment of fee or on payment of such fee, not exceeding the registration fee, as the board may direct.
sec.24A
Section sec.24A
s 24A ins 2001 No. 63 s 54
om 2003 No. 59 s 103 sch 1
pt.4A
Approvals to use premises as veterinary premises
Approvals to use premises as veterinary premises
pt.4A-div.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.25
Definition for pt 4A
sec.25 Definition for pt 4A
In this part—
disqualifying offence means any of the following offences, for which the rehabilitation period under the Criminal Law (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 1986 has not expired or been revived—
an indictable offence, whether dealt with on indictment or summarily;
an offence against this Act;
an offence against the Animals Protection Act 1925 relating to the care or protection of animals or an animal welfare offence within the meaning of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 ;
The Animals Protection Act 1925 was repealed by 2001 No. 64 s 219 , now see Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 .
an offence against a law of the Commonwealth or another State if the act or omission that constitutes the offence would, if it happens in Queensland, be an offence mentioned in paragraph (c) ;
an offence relating to obtaining, administering, dispensing, prescribing or selling a drug or poison as prescribed under a regulation.
s 25 def disqualifying offence amd 2002 No. 49 s 37 sch
information notice ...
s 25 def information notice om 2009 No. 24 s 846 (2)
s 25 amd 1946 10 Geo 6 No. 52 s 3
sub 1973 No. 86 s 20
amd 1986 No. 6 s 30 ; 1990 No. 65 ss 13 , 23 ; 1994 No. 15 s 3 sch 1
sub 2001 No. 63 s 55
amd 2009 No. 24 s 846 (1)
(a) an indictable offence, whether dealt with on indictment or summarily;
(b) an offence against this Act;
(c) an offence against the Animals Protection Act 1925 relating to the care or protection of animals or an animal welfare offence within the meaning of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 ; Editor’s note— The Animals Protection Act 1925 was repealed by 2001 No. 64 s 219 , now see Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 .
(d) an offence against a law of the Commonwealth or another State if the act or omission that constitutes the offence would, if it happens in Queensland, be an offence mentioned in paragraph (c) ;
(e) an offence relating to obtaining, administering, dispensing, prescribing or selling a drug or poison as prescribed under a regulation.
pt.4A-div.2
Obtaining approvals
Obtaining approvals
sec.25A
Applying for approval
sec.25A Applying for approval
A person may apply to the board for approval to use premises as veterinary premises.
The application must be—
in the approved form; and
supported by enough information to enable the board to decide the application; and
accompanied by the fee prescribed under a regulation.
s 25A ins 1973 No. 86 s 21
amd 1990 No. 65 s 14
sub 2001 No. 63 s 55
(sec.25A-ssec.1) A person may apply to the board for approval to use premises as veterinary premises.
(sec.25A-ssec.2) The application must be— in the approved form; and supported by enough information to enable the board to decide the application; and accompanied by the fee prescribed under a regulation.
(a) in the approved form; and
(b) supported by enough information to enable the board to decide the application; and
(c) accompanied by the fee prescribed under a regulation.
sec.25B
Additional information for application
sec.25B Additional information for application
The board may, by written notice given to the applicant, require the applicant to—
give the board a stated document or information relevant to the application; or
allow a member or officer of the board to inspect the premises, including, for example, fittings and equipment at the premises.
s 25B ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
(a) give the board a stated document or information relevant to the application; or
(b) allow a member or officer of the board to inspect the premises, including, for example, fittings and equipment at the premises.
sec.25C
Deciding application
sec.25C Deciding application
The board must consider the application and either grant or refuse it within 28 days after the last of the following events to happen—
the board receives the application;
the board receives all necessary information to decide the application;
if, under section 25B (a) , the board requires a document or information—the board receives the document or information;
if, under section 25B (b) , the board requires premises to be inspected—the premises are inspected under that section.
s 25C ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
(a) the board receives the application;
(b) the board receives all necessary information to decide the application;
(c) if, under section 25B (a) , the board requires a document or information—the board receives the document or information;
(d) if, under section 25B (b) , the board requires premises to be inspected—the premises are inspected under that section.
sec.25D
Grant of application
sec.25D Grant of application
If the board decides to grant the application, it must, within 14 days after making the decision, give the applicant—
the approval; and
if the board decides to impose conditions on the approval, other than a condition mentioned in section 25G (2) —an information notice.
s 25D ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
(a) the approval; and
(b) if the board decides to impose conditions on the approval, other than a condition mentioned in section 25G (2) —an information notice.
sec.25E
Refusal of application
sec.25E Refusal of application
If the board decides to refuse the application, it must, within 14 days after making the decision, give the applicant an information notice.
s 25E ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
sec.25F
Criteria for decision
sec.25F Criteria for decision
The board may refuse to grant the application only if satisfied—
the premises are not suitable for use as veterinary premises having regard to the standards prescribed or decided under section 29A for conducting veterinary premises; or
A copy of the standards is available on the board’s website.
a veterinary surgeon will not be practising veterinary science at the premises; or
if the applicant is an individual—the applicant has been convicted of a disqualifying offence; or
if the applicant is a corporation—any of the corporation’s executive officers has been convicted of a disqualifying offence.
s 25F ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
amd 2006 No. 48 s 33 sch ; 2024 No. 17 s 190
(a) the premises are not suitable for use as veterinary premises having regard to the standards prescribed or decided under section 29A for conducting veterinary premises; or Note— A copy of the standards is available on the board’s website.
(b) a veterinary surgeon will not be practising veterinary science at the premises; or
(c) if the applicant is an individual—the applicant has been convicted of a disqualifying offence; or
(d) if the applicant is a corporation—any of the corporation’s executive officers has been convicted of a disqualifying offence.
pt.4A-div.3
Conditions
Conditions
sec.25G
Conditions of approvals
sec.25G Conditions of approvals
The board may impose on the approval the reasonable conditions the board decides, including, for example, conditions about the following—
the equipment used or intended to be used at the premises;
hygiene practices, or the safe storage of drugs, at the premises;
the qualifications or skills required of a person working at the premises;
the number of staff employed at the premises;
the branches of veterinary science that may be practised at the premises.
Without limiting subsection (1) , the approval must state that the approval holder must allow a member or officer of the board to enter the premises stated in the approval to inspect the premises, including, for example, fittings, equipment or records at the premises, for compliance with the conditions of the approval.
However, the member or officer may enter the premises only when the premises are open for carrying on business or otherwise open for entry.
s 25G ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
(sec.25G-ssec.1) The board may impose on the approval the reasonable conditions the board decides, including, for example, conditions about the following— the equipment used or intended to be used at the premises; hygiene practices, or the safe storage of drugs, at the premises; the qualifications or skills required of a person working at the premises; the number of staff employed at the premises; the branches of veterinary science that may be practised at the premises.
(sec.25G-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) , the approval must state that the approval holder must allow a member or officer of the board to enter the premises stated in the approval to inspect the premises, including, for example, fittings, equipment or records at the premises, for compliance with the conditions of the approval.
(sec.25G-ssec.3) However, the member or officer may enter the premises only when the premises are open for carrying on business or otherwise open for entry.
(a) the equipment used or intended to be used at the premises;
(b) hygiene practices, or the safe storage of drugs, at the premises;
(c) the qualifications or skills required of a person working at the premises;
(d) the number of staff employed at the premises;
(e) the branches of veterinary science that may be practised at the premises.
pt.4A-div.4
Amendment, suspension or cancellation of approvals
Amendment, suspension or cancellation of approvals
sec.25H
Amendment—grounds
sec.25H Amendment—grounds
The board may amend an approval, including, for example, by adding a further condition to the approval—
with the written agreement of the approval holder; or
if the board believes the amendment is necessary or desirable to ensure the premises under the approval are suitable for use as veterinary premises and section 25J has been complied with.
s 25H ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
(a) with the written agreement of the approval holder; or
(b) if the board believes the amendment is necessary or desirable to ensure the premises under the approval are suitable for use as veterinary premises and section 25J has been complied with.
sec.25I
Suspension or cancellation—grounds
sec.25I Suspension or cancellation—grounds
The board may suspend or cancel the approval if it believes on reasonable grounds—
the approval was granted because of a materially false or misleading representation or document, made either orally or in writing; or
the premises are not suitable for use as veterinary premises having regard to the standards prescribed or decided under section 29A for conducting veterinary premises; or
a veterinary surgeon does not practise veterinary science at the premises; or
the holder of the approval has not complied with a condition of the approval; or
if—
the holder is an individual—the holder has committed, or is committing, a disqualifying offence; or
the holder is a corporation—any of the corporation’s executive officers has committed, or is committing, a disqualifying offence.
s 25I ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
amd 2006 No. 48 s 33 sch
(a) the approval was granted because of a materially false or misleading representation or document, made either orally or in writing; or
(b) the premises are not suitable for use as veterinary premises having regard to the standards prescribed or decided under section 29A for conducting veterinary premises; or
(c) a veterinary surgeon does not practise veterinary science at the premises; or
(d) the holder of the approval has not complied with a condition of the approval; or
(e) if— (i) the holder is an individual—the holder has committed, or is committing, a disqualifying offence; or (ii) the holder is a corporation—any of the corporation’s executive officers has committed, or is committing, a disqualifying offence.
(i) the holder is an individual—the holder has committed, or is committing, a disqualifying offence; or
(ii) the holder is a corporation—any of the corporation’s executive officers has committed, or is committing, a disqualifying offence.
(i) the holder is an individual—the holder has committed, or is committing, a disqualifying offence; or
(ii) the holder is a corporation—any of the corporation’s executive officers has committed, or is committing, a disqualifying offence.
sec.25J
Amendment, suspension or cancellation—procedure
sec.25J Amendment, suspension or cancellation—procedure
If the board proposes to amend, suspend or cancel an approval, the board must give the approval holder a written notice stating each of the following—
the action (the proposed action ) the board proposes taking under this section;
the grounds for the proposed action;
the facts and circumstances that are the basis for the grounds;
if the proposed action is to amend the approval—the proposed amendment;
if the proposed action is suspension of the approval—the suspension period;
that the holder may make, within a stated period, written representations to show why the proposed action should not be taken.
The stated period must end at least 28 days after the holder is given the notice.
If, after considering all representations made within the stated period, the board still believes a ground exists to take the proposed action, the board may—
if the proposed action is to amend the approval—amend the approval; or
if the proposed action is to suspend the approval for a stated period—suspend the approval for no longer than the proposed suspension period; or
if the proposed action is to cancel the approval—cancel the approval or suspend it for a period.
This section does not apply if the approval is amended under section 25H (a) .
s 25J ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
(sec.25J-ssec.1) If the board proposes to amend, suspend or cancel an approval, the board must give the approval holder a written notice stating each of the following— the action (the proposed action ) the board proposes taking under this section; the grounds for the proposed action; the facts and circumstances that are the basis for the grounds; if the proposed action is to amend the approval—the proposed amendment; if the proposed action is suspension of the approval—the suspension period; that the holder may make, within a stated period, written representations to show why the proposed action should not be taken.
(sec.25J-ssec.2) The stated period must end at least 28 days after the holder is given the notice.
(sec.25J-ssec.3) If, after considering all representations made within the stated period, the board still believes a ground exists to take the proposed action, the board may— if the proposed action is to amend the approval—amend the approval; or if the proposed action is to suspend the approval for a stated period—suspend the approval for no longer than the proposed suspension period; or if the proposed action is to cancel the approval—cancel the approval or suspend it for a period.
(sec.25J-ssec.4) This section does not apply if the approval is amended under section 25H (a) .
(a) the action (the proposed action ) the board proposes taking under this section;
(b) the grounds for the proposed action;
(c) the facts and circumstances that are the basis for the grounds;
(d) if the proposed action is to amend the approval—the proposed amendment;
(e) if the proposed action is suspension of the approval—the suspension period;
(f) that the holder may make, within a stated period, written representations to show why the proposed action should not be taken.
(a) if the proposed action is to amend the approval—amend the approval; or
(b) if the proposed action is to suspend the approval for a stated period—suspend the approval for no longer than the proposed suspension period; or
(c) if the proposed action is to cancel the approval—cancel the approval or suspend it for a period.
sec.25K
Notice of amendment, suspension or cancellation
sec.25K Notice of amendment, suspension or cancellation
The board must, as soon as practicable after making a decision under section 25J (3) , give the approval holder an information notice.
The decision takes effect on—
the day the notice is given; or
if a later day is stated in the notice—the stated day.
s 25K ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
(sec.25K-ssec.1) The board must, as soon as practicable after making a decision under section 25J (3) , give the approval holder an information notice.
(sec.25K-ssec.2) The decision takes effect on— the day the notice is given; or if a later day is stated in the notice—the stated day.
(a) the day the notice is given; or
(b) if a later day is stated in the notice—the stated day.
pt.4B
Offence provisions
Offence provisions
sec.25L
Conducting veterinary practice
sec.25L Conducting veterinary practice
A person must not conduct a veterinary practice other than at veterinary premises.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
s 25L ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
sec.25M
Persons who must not practise veterinary science
sec.25M Persons who must not practise veterinary science
A person who is not a veterinary surgeon must not practise veterinary science.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
However, a person does not commit an offence against subsection (1) if—
the person practises veterinary science other than for fee or reward; or
the person—
is undertaking a course of study, or a qualifying examination, in veterinary science approved by the board; and
practises veterinary science under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon.
s 25M ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
(sec.25M-ssec.1) A person who is not a veterinary surgeon must not practise veterinary science. Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
(sec.25M-ssec.2) However, a person does not commit an offence against subsection (1) if— the person practises veterinary science other than for fee or reward; or the person— is undertaking a course of study, or a qualifying examination, in veterinary science approved by the board; and practises veterinary science under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon.
(a) the person practises veterinary science other than for fee or reward; or
(b) the person— (i) is undertaking a course of study, or a qualifying examination, in veterinary science approved by the board; and (ii) practises veterinary science under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon.
(i) is undertaking a course of study, or a qualifying examination, in veterinary science approved by the board; and
(ii) practises veterinary science under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon.
(i) is undertaking a course of study, or a qualifying examination, in veterinary science approved by the board; and
(ii) practises veterinary science under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon.
sec.25N
Allowing or directing person who is not a veterinary surgeon to practise veterinary science
sec.25N Allowing or directing person who is not a veterinary surgeon to practise veterinary science
A veterinary surgeon must not allow or direct another person who is not a veterinary surgeon to practise veterinary science in relation to an animal under the veterinary surgeon’s care.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
However, a veterinary surgeon does not commit an offence against subsection (1) if—
the other person is undertaking a course of study, or a qualifying examination, in veterinary science approved by the board; and
in practising veterinary science in relation to the animal, the other person acts under the supervision of the veterinary surgeon.
s 25N ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
(sec.25N-ssec.1) A veterinary surgeon must not allow or direct another person who is not a veterinary surgeon to practise veterinary science in relation to an animal under the veterinary surgeon’s care. Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
(sec.25N-ssec.2) However, a veterinary surgeon does not commit an offence against subsection (1) if— the other person is undertaking a course of study, or a qualifying examination, in veterinary science approved by the board; and in practising veterinary science in relation to the animal, the other person acts under the supervision of the veterinary surgeon.
(a) the other person is undertaking a course of study, or a qualifying examination, in veterinary science approved by the board; and
(b) in practising veterinary science in relation to the animal, the other person acts under the supervision of the veterinary surgeon.
sec.25O
Directing veterinary surgeon to practise veterinary science
sec.25O Directing veterinary surgeon to practise veterinary science
A person in control of veterinary premises must not direct a veterinary surgeon to practise veterinary science in a way that would constitute misconduct in a professional respect.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
s 25O ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
amd 2009 No. 24 s 847
sec.25P
Claims about being a veterinary surgeon
sec.25P Claims about being a veterinary surgeon
A person who is not a veterinary surgeon must not—
claim, or hold himself or herself out, to be a veterinary surgeon; or
allow himself or herself to be held out as a veterinary surgeon.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
A person must not hold out another person as a veterinary surgeon if the person knows or ought reasonably to know the other person is not a veterinary surgeon.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
s 25P ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
(sec.25P-ssec.1) A person who is not a veterinary surgeon must not— claim, or hold himself or herself out, to be a veterinary surgeon; or allow himself or herself to be held out as a veterinary surgeon. Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
(sec.25P-ssec.2) A person must not hold out another person as a veterinary surgeon if the person knows or ought reasonably to know the other person is not a veterinary surgeon. Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
(a) claim, or hold himself or herself out, to be a veterinary surgeon; or
(b) allow himself or herself to be held out as a veterinary surgeon.
sec.25Q
Using titles etc.
sec.25Q Using titles etc.
A person who is not a veterinary surgeon must not use—
a title that consists of, or includes, the words ‘veterinary surgeon’ or an abbreviation of the words; or
another title, name, initial or word suggesting, in the context in which it is used, that the person is a veterinary surgeon or is practising veterinary science.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
A person who is not a veterinary specialist must not use—
a title that consists of, or includes, the words ‘veterinary specialist’ or an abbreviation of the words; or
another title, name, initial or word suggesting, in the context in which it is used, that the person is a veterinary specialist.
Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
s 25Q ins 2001 No. 63 s 55
amd 2006 No. 48 s 44
(sec.25Q-ssec.1) A person who is not a veterinary surgeon must not use— a title that consists of, or includes, the words ‘veterinary surgeon’ or an abbreviation of the words; or another title, name, initial or word suggesting, in the context in which it is used, that the person is a veterinary surgeon or is practising veterinary science. Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
(sec.25Q-ssec.2) A person who is not a veterinary specialist must not use— a title that consists of, or includes, the words ‘veterinary specialist’ or an abbreviation of the words; or another title, name, initial or word suggesting, in the context in which it is used, that the person is a veterinary specialist. Maximum penalty—40 penalty units.
(a) a title that consists of, or includes, the words ‘veterinary surgeon’ or an abbreviation of the words; or
(b) another title, name, initial or word suggesting, in the context in which it is used, that the person is a veterinary surgeon or is practising veterinary science.
(a) a title that consists of, or includes, the words ‘veterinary specialist’ or an abbreviation of the words; or
(b) another title, name, initial or word suggesting, in the context in which it is used, that the person is a veterinary specialist.
More sections below
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
pt.1 Preliminary
Preliminary
sec.1 Short title
sec.1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1936 .
s 1 sub 1995 No. 58 s 4 sch 1
Section sec.2
s 2 amd 1986 No. 6 s 4
om 10 May 1994 RA s 36
sec.2-oc.2 Definitions
sec.2-oc.2 Definitions
The dictionary in the schedule defines particular words used in this Act.
Note—prev s 3 contained definitions for this Act. Definitions are now located in the schedule—Dictionary. Annotations for definitions contained in prev s 3 are located in annotations for the schedule.
s 2 (prev s 3) amd 2001 No. 63 s 36
renum 2001 No. 63 s 36 (7)
sec.2A Meaning of veterinary science
sec.2A Meaning of veterinary science
Veterinary science means the science of veterinary surgery or veterinary medicine.
Veterinary science includes the following—
diagnosing diseases in, and injuries to, animals, including, for example, testing animals for diagnostic purposes;
giving advice based on a diagnosis under paragraph (a) ;
medical or surgical treatment of animals;
performing surgical operations on animals;
administering anaesthetics to animals;
signing or issuing certificates relating to the description, health, diagnosis or treatment of animals.
However, veterinary science does not include—
an act done for animal husbandry or animal dentistry prescribed by regulation not to be veterinary science; or
using an animal, or allowing an animal to be used, for a scientific purpose in accordance with the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 , section 91 .
In this section—
scientific purpose means a scientific purpose within the meaning of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 , section 48 .
s 2A ins 2001 No. 63 s 37
amd 2022 No. 35 s 50
(sec.2A-ssec.1) Veterinary science means the science of veterinary surgery or veterinary medicine.
(sec.2A-ssec.2) Veterinary science includes the following— diagnosing diseases in, and injuries to, animals, including, for example, testing animals for diagnostic purposes; giving advice based on a diagnosis under paragraph (a) ; medical or surgical treatment of animals; performing surgical operations on animals; administering anaesthetics to animals; signing or issuing certificates relating to the description, health, diagnosis or treatment of animals.
(sec.2A-ssec.3) However, veterinary science does not include— an act done for animal husbandry or animal dentistry prescribed by regulation not to be veterinary science; or using an animal, or allowing an animal to be used, for a scientific purpose in accordance with the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 , section 91 .
(sec.2A-ssec.4) In this section— scientific purpose means a scientific purpose within the meaning of the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 , section 48 .
The Act thus creates both entry barriers and ongoing regulatory obligations. It vests a mixture of administrative discretion in the board (granting, imposing conditions, suspending approvals) and adjudicative power in the tribunal, while providing enforcement tools including search and seizure, information sharing for biosecurity purposes, and civil recovery of ordered sums (ss 33D, 29C, 33). The regulatory reach extends to titles and representation (ss 25P, 25Q), delegation of certain testing tasks to inspectors (s 33E), and broad power to make regulations on technical and procedural matters (s 37).
Main concepts
This Act defines the core legal concepts that structure veterinary regulation in Queensland. The statutory definition of veterinary science is central. Section 2A defines veterinary science as the science of veterinary surgery or veterinary medicine. It then lists activities that constitute veterinary science, including diagnosis, advice based on diagnosis, medical or surgical treatment, performing surgical operations, administering anaesthetics, and signing or issuing certificates about animal health and treatment (s 2A(2)). Section 2A also expressly excludes from veterinary science acts prescribed by regulation as animal husbandry or animal dentistry, and the use of animals for authorised scientific purposes under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (s 2A(3)-(4)). The definitional scope therefore determines who may lawfully perform particular acts, and what activities require registration.
Registration and recognition are core. Section 18 sets the eligibility routes for registration as a veterinary surgeon, including possession of recognised degrees, diplomas or memberships, and work/training requirements for persons with qualifications that the Governor in Council recognises but considers not prima facie sufficient (see s 18(1)(b), s 18(2)). Section 18A permits the board to grant limited approvals to suitably qualified persons who have not completed all registration requirements, to perform veterinary acts under the direction of a veterinary surgeon. Provisional registration (s 19A) and short-term registration for New Zealand-registered practitioners (s 19B) are expressly provided, while s 18B deems interstate veterinary practitioners to be registered as veterinary surgeons in Queensland subject to the same conditions as their interstate registration. For specialists, ss 19C-19D set criteria and give the Governor in Council power to prescribe recognised veterinary specialties.
Regulatory control of premises is a named concept. Part 4A requires approval to use premises as veterinary premises (ss 25A-25K). Decisions must follow criteria in s 25F, including suitability against prescribed standards (s 29A) and the presence of a practising veterinary surgeon. Conditions may be imposed (s 25G), and the board has procedures for amendment, suspension or cancellation (ss 25H-25K).
Discipline and adjudication occupy another conceptual axis. The board may investigate complaints or act on its own motion (s 22). It can either impose limited disciplinary measures (admonition, reprimand, fines up to 10 penalty units, with potential suspension for non-payment, s 22A) or refer matters to the tribunal. The tribunal has jurisdiction for disciplinary proceedings and is constituted by a legally qualified member and two QCAT members who are veterinary surgeons (ss 15A-15B). The tribunal must take into account prior decisions about the veterinary surgeon (s 15C) and may make a wider range of orders, including removal from the register and penalties up to 40 penalty units (s 22E).
Enforcement concepts include inspection and enforcement powers. The board and prescribed persons may require production of records (s 33C), and prescribed persons have powers of entry, inspection, sampling, photographing, and seizure in order to ascertain offences or professional misconduct; warrants are required for entry into private dwelling parts (s 33D). Title protection and offences targeting misrepresentation or unregistered practice are established in ss 25L-25Q, with penalties up to 40 penalty units. The Act also creates offences for falsifying registers (s 30).
Financial concepts specify that fees and penalties collected become part of the board’s funds (s 15(1), s 36), the board pays expenses and remuneration from its funds (s 15(2)), and the Governor in Council may appropriate payments from consolidated funds where the board’s funds are insufficient (s 15(2A)). The Governor in Council may make regulations covering a long list of technical, procedural and fee matters (s 37). Finally, the Act preserves links to biosecurity responses through emergency contact information and limited data-sharing for biosecurity purposes (ss 27, 29C).
Who it affects
The Act affects several discrete groups with identifiable legal obligations and decision-making powers.
Veterinary surgeons and veterinary specialists. The Act primarily regulates persons registered as veterinary surgeons and those registered as veterinary specialists. Registration entitles a person to practise veterinary science (s 18) and creates ongoing obligations, including payment of annual fees (s 17), providing and updating contact and emergency contact details (ss 26-27), keeping prescribed records and producing them on notice (s 33C), and complying with conditions of any approval to use premises (s 25G). Veterinary surgeons who supervise trainees must not allow unregistered persons to practise unless those persons are board-approved trainees or supervised students (s 25N). A veterinary surgeon also must not direct another to practise in a way that would be professional misconduct (s 25O). Registered specialists are affected as their registration and recognition pathways are set out (ss 19C, 19CA).
Persons seeking registration or authorisation. Prospective registrants, including overseas-qualified practitioners, must meet the criteria in s 18 and, in some cases, the additional requirements of residence and English-language examinations (s 18(2)). The board can grant approvals to partially qualified persons to perform veterinary acts under supervision (s 18A), and provisional registration (s 19A) can be granted for short terms. New Zealand practitioners can obtain short-term registration for up to 30 days (s 19B). Applicants for approvals to use premises must supply specified information and submit to inspection (ss 25A-25C).
Owners and operators of veterinary premises. Anyone operating veterinary premises must hold a board approval for the premises (s 25L). Approval holders must comply with standards and conditions imposed under ss 25F, 25G and 29A. The Act reaches corporate operators; where an applicant is a corporation, convictions of executive officers for disqualifying offences can bar approval or justify cancellation (s 25F(d), s 25I(e)). Persons in control of premises must not instruct veterinary surgeons to practise in ways amounting to misconduct (s 25O).
The Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland and its officers. The board is a statutory body corporate with powers to enter contracts, hold property, appoint officers and charge for services (s 4B). It appoints a registrar and other officers (s 14), charges and collects fees (ss 15, 17), prepares reports (s 33A), and exercises investigatory and disciplinary functions (ss 22, 22A). Board members are appointed by the Governor in Council (s 4C) and include elected members (s 8), with the chairperson being a senior officer of the department nominated by the Minister (s 4C(1)(a), s 4D(1)).
Tribunal and judicial actors. The tribunal (QCAT) hears disciplinary matters referred by the board and certain review applications (ss 15A, 22H). The tribunal is constituted for these matters by a legally qualified member plus two veterinary surgeon members (s 15B). The tribunal can remove names from registers, suspend registration, impose penalties, or reprimand (s 22E).
Other regulatory actors. Prescribed persons (members, deputy members, officers of the board) have powers of entry and inspection (s 33D). The registrar has obligations to maintain electronic registers and may share emergency contact details with chief executives for biosecurity purposes (ss 16, 29C). The Minister can authorise inspectors under the Biosecurity Act for specified testing where the board recommends this (s 33E). Registering authorities in other States are affected by notice obligations when disciplinary action is taken (s 22FA), and the Act preserves mutual recognition legislation (s 3).
Members of the public and animal owners. The public is affected by title protection and offence provisions which limit who can represent as a veterinary surgeon or specialist (ss 25P, 25Q). Complainants may lodge statutory-declaration-form complaints and trigger investigations (s 22). Animal owners are direct beneficiaries of standards for premises, hygiene and record-keeping (s 29A, s 25G).
Businesses and corporations. Corporations seeking to run veterinary premises are subject to fit-and-proper-person checks through disqualifying-offence provisions that extend to executive officers (s 25F, s 25I). Corporations may also be on the receiving end of document production notices (s 33C) and entry powers (s 33D).
Each group faces identifiable administrative and compliance burdens: applications and fees, inspections, record keeping and potential disciplinary exposure. The Act concentrates decision-making authority for admission, approvals and condition-setting in the board, while allocating adjudicative review and more severe sanctions to the tribunal (ss 4C, 25G, 22A, 22E, 15A-15B).
Key duties and rights
This Act allocates specific duties to regulated persons and rights to both regulated persons and the board. Below are the principal duties and rights, described with section references.
Duties on registrants and applicants
Registration criteria and truthfulness. Applicants must apply in the approved form and supply evidence and prescribed fees where required (s 19(1)). Section 18 requires applicants to satisfy the board of good fame and character and to hold recognised qualifications, or comply with further prescribed requirements such as residency and English-language examinations (s 18(1)-(2)). Section 30 criminalises wilful falsification in the register or falsifying representations to procure registration.
Annual fees and maintenance of registration. Registered veterinary surgeons must pay prescribed annual fees by 31 January each year, subject to any regulatory exemptions; the board may remove names for non-payment and may restore names on payment (s 17(1)-(5)). Registered specialists may have additional fees (s 17(1)).
Contact and emergency contact updates. A veterinary surgeon must notify the board within 21 days of any change in contact information (s 26), and must provide emergency contact details when asked by the registrar within 21 days (s 27).
Record keeping and production. Veterinary surgeons and approval holders must keep prescribed records and must produce documents the board requires under a written notice, with failure to comply attracting a maximum 10 penalty units (s 33C(1)-(4)).
Compliance with conditions of premises approvals. Approval holders must comply with conditions imposed under s 25G, including allowing authorised board members to inspect premises when open for business (s 25G(1)-(3)).
Restrictions on practice and representation. Persons who are not veterinary surgeons must not practise veterinary science (s 25M(1)), must not claim to be veterinary surgeons (s 25P), and must not use titles or initials suggesting they are veterinary surgeons or specialists (s 25Q). Veterinary surgeons must not permit non-registrants to practise in relation to animals under their care (s 25N), except for board-approved trainees or supervised students.
Rights of registrants and applicants
Procedural rights in disciplinary and approval processes. Before the board takes disciplinary action under s 22A, it must give written notice and allow at least 14 days for the veterinary surgeon to make written representations, request to be heard, or require referral to the tribunal (s 22B(1)). For amendments, suspensions or cancellations of approvals, the board must give at least 28 days to make written representations before taking final action (s 25J(1)-(3)). These provisions create procedural opportunities to be heard.
Right to tribunal review. Certain persons may apply to the tribunal under the QCAT Act for review of specified decisions, including refusal to register on grounds other than lack of academic qualifications, refusal or conditional grant of premises approval, and amendment, suspension or cancellation of an approval (s 22H). The tribunal is constituted with both legally qualified and veterinary surgeon members (s 15B).
Provisional and limited registration. Where criteria are met, applicants may obtain provisional registration (s 19A), limited registration for up to 30 days for New Zealand-registered practitioners (s 19B), or approvals under s 18A allowing performance of veterinary acts under supervision. These provisions create entry pathways while preserving board oversight.
Reinstatement and restoration. The board may restore names removed from registers (s 24(2)), and may restore on payment of fees or at its discretion, subject to any tribunal orders (s 24). This provides a path back to practice.
Duties and powers of the board and registrar
Powers and corporate functions. The board is a corporate body able to enter contracts, hold property, engage consultants and charge for services (s 4B). It must keep registers electronically, display them on the board’s website, and issue certificates of registration (ss 16, 20).
Investigatory powers. The board may investigate complaints and refer matters to the tribunal (s 22). It can require production of documents (s 33C), and prescribe persons may exercise powers of entry, search, sample and seizure with a warrant regime where dwelling parts are involved (s 33D).
Disciplinary options. The board can admonish, reprimand, impose penalties up to 10 penalty units and adjourn or suspend registration for non-payment in disciplinary matters dealt with under s 22A, subject to procedural notice requirements (s 22A, s 22B).
Premises approval and condition-setting. The board grants and may impose reasonable conditions on approval to use premises, and may amend, suspend or cancel approvals following notice and an opportunity to make representations (ss 25D, 25G, 25H-25K).
Financial responsibilities. The board collects fees and penalties and pays expenses and remuneration from its funds (s 15(1)-(3)), including being able to receive appropriations from the consolidated fund if necessary (s 15(2A)).
Powers of the tribunal
Adjudicative powers. The tribunal hears disciplinary proceedings and show-cause matters (s 15A). If the tribunal finds misconduct it can remove a veterinary surgeon’s name, suspend registration, impose a penalty up to 40 penalty units, or reprimand or admonish (s 22E). The tribunal controls costs in accordance with the QCAT Act and may account for the board’s investigation costs (s 15D).
Other duties and rights
Mutual recognition. The Act does not affect mutual recognition legislation (s 3), and interstate practitioners are taken to be registered in certain circumstances (s 18B). The board must notify interstate registering authorities of disciplinary action (s 22FA).
Biosecurity data sharing. The registrar must provide emergency contact details to a chief executive for biosecurity purposes where requested (s 29C), and that chief executive is restricted to using the details only for stated biosecurity purposes.
These duties and rights interlock. Procedural protections for applicants and registrants exist alongside substantive limits on who may practise, title protection, and investigatory and disciplinary tools. The Act gives the board broad administrative discretion in approvals and condition-setting while reserving more severe sanctions and final adjudication to the tribunal.
Penalties and enforcement
The Act sets out a layered enforcement regime combining administrative sanctions, criminal penalties for specific offences, civil debt recovery and inspection and seizure powers. Penalties are expressed in penalty units; the Act differentiates maximums between board-led action and tribunal orders.
Monetary penalties and suspension
Board disciplinary penalties. Under s 22A(1)(a) the board may order a veterinary surgeon to pay a penalty not exceeding 10 penalty units and may include a direction that failure to pay leads to suspension of registration. Suspension for non-payment is explicit and supplementary to the monetary penalty (s 22A(2)-(2A)). The board can also admonish or reprimand (s 22A(1)(b)).
Tribunal penalties. Where the tribunal finds misconduct in a professional respect, it may order payment of a penalty not exceeding 40 penalty units, and may suspend registration if payment is not made (s 22E(1)(c)-(2)). The tribunal may also order removal from the register or suspend registration for a specified period, or reprimand or admonish (s 22E(1)(a)-(d)).
Offences with fixed maxima
Unauthorised practice and title misuse. The Act creates multiple offences with maxima of 40 penalty units: conducting veterinary practice other than at approved veterinary premises (s 25L), persons who are not veterinary surgeons practising veterinary science (s 25M(1)), allowing or directing unregistered persons to practise in relation to an animal under a veterinary surgeon’s care (s 25N), directing veterinary surgeons to practise in a way constituting professional misconduct (s 25O), false or misleading claims about being a veterinary surgeon (s 25P), and using titles suggesting a person is a veterinary surgeon or specialist when they are not (s 25Q).
Lesser statutory penalties. Some administrative compliance failures carry lower maxima. For example, failure to surrender certificates after removal or suspension must be done within 14 days, noncompliance attracting up to 10 penalty units (s 23). Failure to provide a change of contact information (s 26) or emergency contact details when requested (s 27) also carries maxima of 10 penalty units. Failure to comply with a document production notice under s 33C attracts up to 10 penalty units.
Criminality and forgery
Forgery and false entries. Section 30 makes wilful falsification of the register, or wilful procurement of registration through false representations, an offence punishable by 20 penalty units.
Procedural enforcement and remedial mechanisms
Removal and suspension from registers. The board may remove names from registers for incapacity, tribunal order, withdrawal of qualifications, request by the registrant, or death (s 21(1)). Suspension has the same effect as removal while in force (s 21(4)). The tribunal can order removal following convictions or findings of misconduct (s 22C, s 22E).
Restoration. The board may restore a name to a register by direction or tribunal order, and may restore upon payment of a fee not exceeding the registration fee (s 24).
Debt recovery. Where an order for payment is not complied with, the outstanding sum becomes a debt due to the board, recoverable in a court of competent jurisdiction (s 33(2)). Section 32(3) makes a certificate by the registrar of orders or amounts owing prima facie and, absent evidence to the contrary, conclusive.
Investigatory and coercive powers
Document production and inspection. Section 33C permits the board to require production of documents kept under the Act, to inspect, copy, take extracts or keep the documents for necessary periods. Failure to comply is subject to a 10-penalty-unit maximum.
Entry, search, sampling, photographing and seizure. Section 33D authorises prescribed persons (members, deputies or officers) to enter land or premises when they reasonably suspect that veterinary acts are being or have been performed there, to determine whether an offence has been or is being committed or whether a veterinary surgeon has engaged in misconduct. Where parts of premises are used exclusively as a dwelling house, a warrant from a stipendiary magistrate is required unless occupier permission is obtained (s 33D(2)-(3), (4)). Warrant procedures and safeguards include requirements that the magistrate record the factual basis for the warrant and time limits on warrants (s 33D(4)-(4A)). Upon entry, prescribed persons may search, interview, sample, photograph and seize records that may contain evidence (s 33D(5)). Assaulting, resisting or obstructing a prescribed person is an offence carrying up to 20 penalty units (s 33D(7)).
Warrant formality and verification. For urgent or remote warrant applications made by telephone or other communications, the magistrate must obtain an undertaking and later a written sworn statement verifying facts relied upon; failure to supply the written verification can lead to cancellation (s 33D(2A), (4C)-(4E)).
Notification and reciprocity
Interstate notice obligations. The board must notify registering authorities of other States of orders, admonishments or reprimands and must deliver particulars for certain orders (s 22FA). This creates cross-jurisdictional enforcement visibility.
Limits and discretion
Limits on summary penalties. The Governor in Council may make regulations imposing penalties not exceeding 10 penalty units for contravention of regulations (s 37).
Cost orders. The tribunal may make cost orders in proceedings, but allowable costs are constrained to those allowable under the QCAT Act and the board’s investigation costs where the board investigated first (s 15D).
Taken together, the enforcement design combines administrative discipline, tribunal adjudication with higher penalty caps, criminal sanctions for falsification and obstruction, coercive investigatory tools with warrant safeguards, and debt recovery to convert regulatory sanctions into enforceable claims. The Act embeds procedural notice requirements before many sanctions are final, including minimum notice periods for disciplinary action (s 22B) and premises-approval amendment or cancellation (s 25J).
How it interacts with other laws
The Act is designed to operate alongside several other legal regimes, and it explicitly preserves or invokes interactions with other legislation. The text of the Act contains provisions that either protect existing mutual recognition arrangements, link to biosecurity and animal welfare statutes, or enable administrative coordination across jurisdictions.
Mutual recognition and interstate registration
The Act does not affect the Mutual Recognition (Queensland) Act 1992 or the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition (Queensland) Act 2003 (s 3). That means decisions made under those Acts for interstate recognition of professional registration remain functioning and are explicitly preserved. Relatedly, s 18B deems a veterinary practitioner registered in another State to be registered as a veterinary surgeon under this Act, subject to the same conditions as applied interstate, and s 19CA provides deemed registration where a veterinary practitioner is endorsed as a specialist interstate and has the necessary experience. This creates a statutory bridge for mobility, while leaving interstate registration conditions to apply.
Interplay with Biosecurity and animal welfare law
The Act cross-references the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 in the definition of veterinary science exceptions (s 2A(3)-(4)). It also contains a specific provision authorising the registrar to provide emergency contact details to the chief executive for biosecurity purposes where the chief executive needs to contact a veterinary surgeon about controlling, eradicating or preventing the spread of prohibited or restricted matter, biosecurity emergency orders, or controlled biosecurity matter under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (s 29C). The use of those contacts is limited to the biosecurity purposes enumerated. Section 33E permits the Minister to authorise inspectors under the Biosecurity Act 2014, on the board’s recommendation, to carry out tuberculosis testing, thereby augmenting the Biosecurity Act powers for specified testing regimes.
Evidence and procedure cross-use
Section 32(2) provides that certified copies or extracts by the registrar are prima facie evidence, and courts are to take judicial notice of the signature of the chairperson to any authorisation to sue (s 33(1)-(1A)). These evidentiary formalities interact with normal court practice for enforcing decisions.
Corporations and public sector law
The board is declared an "excluded matter" for certain provisions of the Corporations Act (s 5A), in relation to specific chapters and parts of the Corporations Act. This exclusion affects the application of corporate governance rules in those specified areas to the board. The board is also "part of the department for the Financial Accountability Act 2009" and has all the privileges and immunities of the State (s 4A), creating an administrative law relationship with state financial oversight and public sector employment frameworks. The registrar is employed under the Public Sector Act 2022 (s 14(2)), bringing recruitment and employment conditions within broader public sector law.
Regulatory reach and prescription
The Governor in Council's regulation-making power is broad (s 37) and expressly includes the capacity to regulate fees, exemptions, rules of professional conduct, standards for premises, continuing education, exam requirements and the list of universities and qualifications the Governor in Council may recognise for registration and approvals (s 37). Regulations under this Act will therefore interact with administrative law standards for delegated legislation and may incorporate standards established under other regulatory regimes by reference.
Tribunal and QCAT Act
Disciplinary adjudication is connected to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) framework. The tribunal is constituted by legally qualified and veterinary surgeon QCAT members (s 15B). Section 22H permits persons aggrieved by specific board decisions to apply for review under the QCAT Act, linking procedural review to QCAT processes. Costs recoverable by the tribunal are constrained by the QCAT Act (s 15D).
Criminal law and evidence regimes
The Act interacts with criminal law in the ordinary way. For example, convictions in Queensland or elsewhere can feed into applications to remove a name from the register (s 22C). Warrant and sworn-statement procedures in s 33D interact with rules governing magistrates and evidentiary requirements, including oath and affirmation standards. The Act also mentions the Criminal Law (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 1986 when defining disqualifying offences for premises approvals (s 25).
Medicines, poisons and animal protection
Section 34 expressly states nothing in the Act shall prejudice or affect the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019, preserving the separate regulatory regime for controlled substances. The definition of disqualifying offences in s 25(1)(e) refers to offences relating to obtaining, administering, dispensing, prescribing or selling a drug or poison as prescribed by regulation, which connects to medicines and poisons regulation.
Inter-agency and interstate communication
The board must notify other State registering authorities of disciplinary action, providing grounds and particulars in certain cases (s 22FA). The board can enter arrangements with interstate registering authorities to establish or access a national register of veterinary specialists, surgeons and practitioners, including through the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Inc (s 16A).
Transitional provisions and other Acts
Transitional provisions accommodate past regulatory arrangements, ensuring continuity for existing approvals and board members when amendments were made (ss 38-39). The Act has been amended over time to align with other legislative changes, and those amendment histories (see Part 6) demonstrate interaction with prior reform statutes.
Overall, the Act is both self-contained and deliberately designed to operate alongside mutual recognition, biosecurity, animal welfare, medicines and poisons, public sector and tribunal laws. Practitioners must therefore consider these cross-references when advising on registration, disciplinary exposure, premises approvals, biosecurity obligations and inter-jurisdictional mobility.
Amendment history
The Act as provided includes multiple amendment annotations embedded in the text. The statutory text indicates a long history of incremental reform. The schedule and marginal notes show that the Act has been subject to significant amendments across decades. The key amendment landmarks visible in the text reflect structural, procedural and content changes. Below are the primary points extractable directly from the provided text and the side annotations.
Structural and definitional relocations and modernisation
Definitions moved to schedule. The Act’s definitions were reorganised, with earlier s 3 containing definitions now moved to the schedule,Dictionary and associated annotations (see sec.2-oc.2 note). This is a housekeeping modernisation common to later consolidations.
Addition of s 2A. The statutory definition of veterinary science (s 2A) was inserted in 2001 (s 2A ins 2001 No. 63 s 37) and amended in 2022 (amd 2022 No. 35 s 50). The text reflects that s 2A underwent amendment to clarify included and excluded acts.
Board governance changes
Modern board structure and powers. Sections establishing the board (s 4) and conferring corporate status and powers (s 4B) show amendments across decades, for example s 4 amended 1973, 1986, 1994, 2001 (see s 4 annotations). Section 4A asserting that the board represents the State and is part of the department for the Financial Accountability Act 2009 was inserted in 2001 and later amended in 2009. The membership regime in s 4C and the chair/deputy rules in s 4D were inserted in 2001 and amended in 2013.
Elections and member procedures
Election machinery and the role of the registrar as returning officer, and timing of elections are modernised; s 8 shows amendments through 2001, 2006, 2013, and 2020 entries. Section 5A declares the board an excluded matter from particular Corporations Act provisions and was inserted in 2001.
Tribunal and QCAT integration
The Act’s disciplinary adjudication was updated to integrate with QCAT and specific tribunal composition rules were introduced; see s 15A-15D ins 1986 and later amendments, with references to the QCAT Act and QCAT members added in subsequent amendments (e.g. 2009 No. 24 s 834, 2006 No. 48). The tribunal composition provision (s 15B) was amended to specify a legally qualified member and two QCAT veterinary surgeon members.
Registration pathways and mutual recognition
Provisions for interstate and trans-Tasman recognition were inserted or updated. Section 3 was inserted in 2001 to preserve mutual recognition legislation, with later amendment in 2003. Sections 18B (deemed registration for veterinary practitioners) and related provisions were inserted or modernised in 2013 to reflect mutual recognition across states and the trans-Tasman context. Section 16A (arrangements for national registers) was inserted in 2013.
Premises approvals and Part 4A
Part 4A, governing approvals to use premises as veterinary premises, appears to have been created or substantially revised in 2001 (see multiple ins 2001 No. 63 s 55 annotations). The concept of disqualifying offences and detailed procedural rules for approvals, conditions, notice, suspension or cancellation are products of that reform. Subsequent amendments refined disqualifying-offence definitions (2002 No. 49) and updated standards and inspective powers (2006, 2024 No. 17 s 190).
Penalties, evidence and investigatory tools
Search, warrant and inspection powers in s 33D, and document production rules in s 33C, underwent amendments in 1990, 2001, 2006 and 2009. The statutory record and evidentiary formalities in s 32 have been amended to align with modern evidentiary practice and registrar certification power.
Biosecurity and cross-Act links
The insertion of s 29C and s 33E reflect integration with biosecurity law (Biosecurity Act 2014) and were inserted or amended in 2013 and 2014 respectively to permit sharing of emergency contact details and authorise biosecurity inspectors to perform certain testing.
Regulatory modernisation and electronic registers
Section 16 requires keeping registers in electronic form and making them available on the board’s website, an update reflecting the digitisation of regulatory registers, inserted in 2006 and amended 2013.
Financial and administrative updates
Funding and appropriation mechanics in s 15 include explicit authority for consolidated fund payments where board funds are insufficient, with annotations for 2006 and 2009 amendments. The board’s employment of the registrar under the Public Sector Act 2022 was recorded in s 14(2).
Transitional provisions
Part 6 contains transitional provisions for amendments made by the Primary Industries Legislation Amendment Acts of 2001 and 2006, including continuation of board membership and continuing effect of previous approvals (ss 38-40). These transitional clauses indicate the Act has been revised to move previous governance and approval arrangements into a reformed structure without immediate disturbance to incumbents.
Regulation-making updates
Section 37’s broad list of regulation-making topics has been repeatedly relied upon for subordinate instruments, with annotations showing amendments across decades. The Act anticipates regulatory detail to be provided by subordinate instruments.
Notes on the format of the provided text
The provided text includes inline annotations indicating dates and amending statutes, for example "ins 2001 No. 63 s 37" or "amd 2022 No. 35 s 50", which are the internal amendment history markers. The text also shows that certain sections were omitted or renumbered at various times. The act’s content has therefore been modernised progressively to reflect changes in administrative practice, mutual recognition, biosecurity, and tribunal arrangements.
In sum, the Act has evolved from a 1936 statute into a modern regulatory framework through layered amendments, particularly around board composition and function, tribunal integration, premises approval, mutual recognition and biosecurity interaction. The principal reform moments apparent in the text centre on the 1986 insertions for tribunal jurisdiction, the 2001 overhaul creating Part 4A and modern governance arrangements, the 2006 and 2009 updates to tribunal and investigatory powers, the 2013 adjustments for mutual recognition and electronic registers, and the 2014-2022 biosecurity and definition refinements.
Litigation history
The supplied Act text contains no judicial decisions or case annotations. The statutory text does reference tribunal and tribunal-related proceedings, and provides procedural paths for review under the QCAT Act (s 22H), but it does not name any cases or include judicial commentary. Therefore the only litigation-related material in the source is internal procedural and evidentiary design rather than reported case law.
What the Act records about adjudication processes
Tribunal jurisdiction and constitution. The Act specifies that disciplinary proceedings and certain applications are to be heard by the tribunal (s 15A), and that the tribunal for these matters is constituted by one legally qualified member and two QCAT members who are veterinary surgeons (s 15B). This provides the statutory framework for adjudication of professional misconduct.
Tribunal considerations and precedent. Section 15C requires the tribunal, when deciding disciplinary matters or whether to remove a name for medical unfitness, to have regard to previous decisions about the veterinary surgeon made by the tribunal (if relevant), the board or a committee, and may consider decisions by foreign disciplinary bodies. This codifies the tribunal’s power to consider prior regulatory decisions, which bears on remedial consistency.
Costs and evidence. Section 15D addresses costs in tribunal proceedings, restricting allowable costs to those under the QCAT Act and the board’s investigation costs where relevant. Section 32 provides that certificates from the registrar are prima facie evidence and, absent contrary evidence, conclusive. These provisions affect litigation practice around proof and costs in tribunal or court proceedings concerning matters under the Act.
Review and appeal routes
Review under QCAT. Section 22H grants express review rights to specified persons, enabling applications to the tribunal under the QCAT Act for review of particular administrative decisions by the board, such as refusal of registration on certain grounds and decisions about premises approvals. This indicates an administrative review pathway but does not provide appellate case references.
Interstate and cross-jurisdictional notices
Section 22FA requires the board to give notice to interstate registering authorities of disciplinary action. That creates cross-jurisdictional disclosure that may trigger proceedings elsewhere but the Act text does not include examples.
Absence of reported litigation in the source
No reported decisions. The supplied text does not cite any judicial or tribunal decisions. It therefore provides the statutory mechanisms and procedural routes but not precedential outcomes or judicial interpretations.
Practical implication for litigators and advisers
Because the text codifies detailed procedures, evidence rules (certificates as prima facie evidence, s 32), and tribunal composition, lawyers should expect tribunal proceedings to be governed by the QCAT Act’s procedural rules, with statutory hooks for costs, prior-decision consideration (s 15C), and limits on recoverable costs (s 15D). The Act also supplies procedural safeguards before administrative sanctions, including notice periods and opportunities to make representations (ss 22B, 25J), which are likely to feature in judicial or tribunal review challenges where questions of natural justice arise. But the Act as supplied does not provide litigation precedent; practitioners must consult QCAT and court decisions for interpretation.
Conclusion on litigation record within the source
The Act contains statutory adjudicative mechanisms and procedural protections but does not supply any litigation history. For analysis of how courts and tribunals have interpreted or applied these provisions, a search of QCAT and Queensland court decisions would be required, which is outside the scope of the provided text.
Gotchas
This section flags provisions and interactions where operational detail, discretion, or timing can produce pitfalls for practitioners, businesses and regulators, with the legal source cited for each point.
Board discretion and levels of review
The board has broad discretion to grant, refuse or impose conditions on registration, approvals and approvals to use premises (ss 18, 25C-25G). While the Act provides procedural safeguards (notice and opportunity to be heard, ss 22B, 25J), the board still enjoys considerable fact-finding and policy discretion. Where outcomes are discretionary, applicants should preserve evidence for administrative review under the QCAT Act (s 22H).
Provisional and limited registrations have strict time limits
Provisional registration under s 19A is limited to no more than three months from the date of the certificate, unless earlier cancelled. A provisional registrant who relies on that status beyond the period risks practising without valid registration. Similarly, New Zealand short-term registration is limited to 30 days under s 19B and is automatically terminated if the registrant’s New Zealand registration is suspended or cancelled; the registrar must remove the name in that event (s 19B(5)).
Removal for non-payment is immediate but restoration is board-controlled
Non-payment of annual fees by 31 January enables removal from the register (s 17(3)-(4)). Restoration is at the board’s discretion on payment of prescribed fees (s 17(5)) and s 24 requires direction of the board or order of the tribunal for re-entry after removal. Practitioners must calendar renewal dates to avoid involuntary removal and the administrative friction of reinstatement.
Title protection and representation offences
Representing oneself as a veterinary surgeon or specialist when not registered is an offence carrying up to 40 penalty units (ss 25P-25Q). Employers, marketing agencies and third parties must take care that communications do not inadvertently hold out unregistered staff as veterinary surgeons or specialists. Section 25P(2) creates liability for holding out another knowingly or negligently.
Corporate applicants and executive officer liability
If an applicant for premises approval is a corporation, convictions of any of the corporation’s executive officers for disqualifying offences can be grounds to refuse approval or to suspend/cancel an approval (ss 25F(d), 25I(e)). Corporations must assess executive histories and rehabilitation periods under the Criminal Law (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act 1986, as referenced in s 25.
Inspection and entry power nuances
The board’s prescribed persons can enter premises and exercise powers of search, sampling and seizure (s 33D). But entry into premises used exclusively as a dwelling house requires a warrant unless occupier consent is given (s 33D(2)). Warrant applications made remotely carry post-issue verification requirements and potential cancellation if the applicant fails to supply the confirming sworn statement within seven days (s 33D(2A), (4C)-(4E)). Failure to follow these procedures can risk challenges to the validity of the entry or the admissibility of seized material.
Evidence rules favour registrar certificates
Section 32(2)-(3) makes certified copies and registrar certificates prima facie, and in some respects conclusive, evidence of board orders and amounts owing, unless rebutted. Practitioners defending debt recovery suits should plan early to address registrar certificates and gather contrary evidence.
Disciplinary cost exposure
While the tribunal controls costs under s 15D, the tribunal must consider the cost of any board investigation where the board conducted an investigation before referral, and costs allowable are limited to QCAT Act rules. Applicants and respondents should record and limit unnecessary process costs at the investigatory stage, because those costs may be recoverable in limited form.
Narrow grounds for refusing or cancelling premises approvals
The board may refuse or cancel premises approvals on specific grounds in s 25F and s 25I, chiefly unsuitability against standards prescribed under s 29A, absence of a veterinary surgeon practising at the premises, convictions for disqualifying offences, or false or misleading representations. Applicants who rely on informal arrangements (for example, expecting to staff premises with a vet who is then unavailable) may face refusal.
Mutual recognition preserved but conditions travel with interstate registration
The Act preserves mutual recognition (s 3) and deems interstate practitioners to be registered (s 18B). However, the Queensland registration is subject to the same conditions, limitations or restrictions as the interstate registration, so changes to interstate status may affect Queensland practice. Practitioners moving between jurisdictions must watch the timing and conditions of their interstate registrations to avoid a gap.
Data sharing for biosecurity is limited but mandatory in scope
The registrar must provide emergency contact details to a chief executive for specified biosecurity purposes (s 29C). While the need is narrowly specified, registrants should be aware their emergency contacts may be shared for biosecurity responses; misuse beyond the enumerated purposes is not authorised by the Act.
Regulatory detail lives in subordinate instruments
Section 37 delegates substantial technical and operational detail to regulations, including standards for premises (s 29A cross-refers to prescribed standards), fees, continuing education, professional conduct rules and recognitions of overseas qualifications. Practitioners should inspect the current regulations and board standards, because the Act authorises detailed operational rules that materially affect practice.
Forensic limits on proof for warrants
If a warrant is issued on the basis of remote communications and later the applicant fails to provide the required verification, the warrant becomes void and evidence obtained may be challenged (s 33D(4C)-(4E)). Enforcement officers must adhere to the verification regime to protect the legality of operations.
Those are practical pitfalls embedded in the Act’s text. They emphasise the need for attention to dates, renewal obligations, documentary proof, compliance with notice periods and the subordinate regulation set that the Act delegates for operational specifics.
How to comply
This section provides a practical, source-grounded checklist and compliance strategy mapped to the Act’s principal obligations, with references to specific sections. It is targeted at practitioners advising veterinary surgeons, practice operators, corporate applicants and compliance officers.
Registration and eligibility (ss 18, 19, 19A, 19B, 19C)
Assess qualifications against the Governor in Council recognised list. Before applying, confirm whether the degree, diploma or membership is recognised by regulation and whether additional requirements apply (s 18(1)(a)-(b), s 18A).
Use the approved forms and include required evidence and prescribed fees (s 19(1)). Ensure contact information and emergency contact details are provided where requested (ss 19(2), 27).
For provisional registration applicants, secure chairperson or authorised-member endorsement and note the three-month cap on provisional certificates (s 19A(1)-(4)). Keep a diary item for expiry.
For short-term New Zealand registrations, apply in the approved form, pay the prescribed fee, and note termination triggers such as suspension of the New Zealand registration (s 19B(1)-(5)).
For specialist registration, gather documentary proof of at least five years’ specialist practice and any prescribed qualifications (s 19C(1)). If applying as an interstate-recognised specialist, check s 19CA.
Annual fees and register maintenance (s 17, s 16)
Pay the prescribed annual fee and any specialist additional fee by 31 January each year to avoid removal from the register (s 17(1)-(3)). Keep receipts and proof of payment.
Ensure the registrar has up-to-date contact and emergency contact details and notify changes within 21 days (ss 26-27). Record change notifications to the board in writing to avoid penalties (ss 26(1), 27(2)).
Practice location approvals and standards (Part 4A, ss 25A-25K, s 29A)
If operating a veterinary practice, apply for approval to use premises as veterinary premises using the approved application form, supported by sufficient information and the prescribed fee (s 25A(1)-(2)).
Expect requests for additional documents or inspection. Respond promptly to notices under s 25B, and arrange premises inspections when requested.
Ensure premises meet the prescribed standards or board-decided standards under s 29A. Consider an internal audit against those standards prior to application.
If granted approval with conditions, record the conditions and allow board officers to inspect premises during business hours as required by s 25G(2)-(3).
If an approval is to be amended, suspended or cancelled, the board will give at least 28 days’ notice to make representations (s 25J(1)-(2)). Prepare submissions and supporting evidence if contesting proposed action.
Supervision and delegation rules (ss 18A, 25N, 25M)
Where employing or supervising persons who are not veterinary surgeons, ensure they are authorised under s 18A or are students approved by the board and supervised by a veterinary surgeon. Do not allow unregistered persons to practise for fee or reward (s 25M(1)-(2)).
Supervising veterinary surgeons must ensure that supervised persons follow board-approved protocols and that supervision satisfies the Act’s requirements to avoid complicity under s 25N.
Records, certificates and document production (ss 16, 33C, 32)
Keep registers and records as prescribed and as directed by the board, including hygiene and care records for premises (s 29A; s 37 delegated powers). If a board notice requests production of documents, comply within the stated reasonable period, as noncompliance attracts a 10-penalty-unit maximum (s 33C(1)-(3)).
Maintain copies of any certificates of registration issued by the board. On removal or suspension, be prepared to surrender certificates within 14 days (s 23).
Complaints, investigations and disciplinary process (ss 22, 22A, 22B, 22E)
If notified of an investigation or intended disciplinary action, note the timeline. The board must provide written notice and allow at least 14 days for written representations or a request to be heard or require referral to the tribunal (s 22B(1)-(2)). Prepare written submissions and evidence; request a hearing if strategically advisable.
If a matter is referred to the tribunal, collect prior-decision records and evidence the tribunal may consider under s 15C. Consider legal representation for tribunal hearings where removal, suspension or a high-value penalty is possible.
Title usage, marketing and staff training (ss 25P, 25Q)
Audit all marketing material and signage to make sure no one who is not a registered veterinary surgeon or specialist is held out as such (ss 25P-25Q). Train reception staff and marketing providers to avoid inadvertent misstatements.
Entry, sampling, and warrant-related compliance (s 33D)
For premises, be prepared for inspections. Keep premises open and accessible during normal business hours for board inspections (s 25G). If entry is requested by a prescribed person, where the request is lawful and the occupant consents, entry may proceed. Where entry would involve a dwelling house part, understand that a warrant will be required unless consent is obtained (s 33D(2)).
If served with a warrant or notice, cooperate to the extent required by law, and record interactions and seized items. Seek legal advice if warrant procedure appears defective, particularly in remote-verification cases, because s 33D(4C)-(4E) sets out verification obligations and potential cancellation.
Financial controls and fee budgeting (ss 15, 36)
Budget for annual fees and potential additional fees, and for any professional indemnity and disciplinary defence costs. Remember all penalties and fees paid under the Act become board funds (ss 15(1), 36). Where the board’s funds are insufficient, the Governor in Council may appropriate funds from the consolidated fund to the board (s 15(2A)), but applicants should not rely on that for fee relief.
Interstate practice and mutual recognition (ss 3, 18B)
If relocating or practising interstate, monitor your interstate registration status because Queensland registration may be subject to the same limitations as your interstate registration under s 18B. For cross-border practice or transfers, consider timing of registration expiry and new applications to avoid practice gaps.
Regulatory updates and subordinate instruments (s 37)
Regularly monitor regulations and board standards since substantial operational detail, fee schedules, continuing education obligations and recognised qualifications lists will be set by regulation (s 37). Compliance requires staying current with subordinate instruments and board websites, including the electronic registers the registrar must keep and publish (s 16(2)).
Responding to disciplinary or criminal exposure
If subject to investigation or charge, preserve evidence about clinical decisions, informed consent, client communication, medication records and staff supervision. Use s 32 certificates and registrar records to locate material. Consider early engagement with the board to make representations under s 22B and gather evidence for tribunal review where the matter may be escalated.
Practical checklist for practice operators
Keep an up-to-date register of staff qualifications and ensure supervising veterinary surgeons are properly registered.
Maintain premises to published standards and enable timely inspections.
Keep robust record-management systems that facilitate rapid production under s 33C notices.
Maintain insurance, legal counsel relationships and a compliance calendar for renewals, fee payments and notification obligations.
Following these steps tied to the statutory provisions will materially reduce the risk of administrative penalties, removal from the register, or premises-approval actions. The Act vests significant administrative discretion in the board and reserves serious sanctions to tribunal processes, so early engagement and documented compliance are the best practical defences.
(a) diagnosing diseases in, and injuries to, animals, including, for example, testing animals for diagnostic purposes;
(b) giving advice based on a diagnosis under paragraph (a) ;
(c) medical or surgical treatment of animals;
(d) performing surgical operations on animals;
(e) administering anaesthetics to animals;
(f) signing or issuing certificates relating to the description, health, diagnosis or treatment of animals.
(a) an act done for animal husbandry or animal dentistry prescribed by regulation not to be veterinary science; or
(b) using an animal, or allowing an animal to be used, for a scientific purpose in accordance with the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 , section 91 .
sec.3 Mutual recognition legislation not affected
sec.3 Mutual recognition legislation not affected
This Act does not affect the Mutual Recognition (Queensland) Act 1992 or the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition (Queensland) Act 2003 .
s 3 ins 2001 No. 63 s 37
amd 2003 No. 45 s 15 sch
pt.2 Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland
Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland
pt.2-div.1 Establishment and powers
Establishment and powers
sec.4 Establishment of board
sec.4 Establishment of board
The Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland is established.
The board—
is a body corporate; and
has a common seal; and
may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
s 4 amd 1946 10 Geo 6 No. 52 s 2; 1964 No. 64 s 2
sub 1973 No. 86 s 4
amd 1986 No. 6 s 6 ; 1994 No. 15 s 3 sch 1
sub 2001 No. 63 s 38
(sec.4-ssec.1) The Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland is established.
(sec.4-ssec.2) The board— is a body corporate; and has a common seal; and may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
(a) is a body corporate; and
(b) has a common seal; and
(c) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.
sec.4A Board’s relationship with the State
sec.4A Board’s relationship with the State
The board—
represents the State; and
is part of the department for the Financial Accountability Act 2009 .
Without limiting subsection (1) (a) , the board has all the privileges and immunities of the State.
s 4A ins 2001 No. 63 s 38
amd 2009 No. 9 s 136 sch 1
(sec.4A-ssec.1) The board— represents the State; and is part of the department for the Financial Accountability Act 2009 .
(sec.4A-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) (a) , the board has all the privileges and immunities of the State.
(a) represents the State; and
(b) is part of the department for the Financial Accountability Act 2009 .
sec.4B Powers of board
sec.4B Powers of board
For performing its functions, the board has all the powers of an individual, and may, for example, do the following—
enter into contracts;
acquire, hold and dispose of property;
appoint agents and attorneys;
engage consultants;
charge for services and facilities it supplies;
do anything else necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, the performance of its functions.
s 4B ins 2001 No. 63 s 38
(a) enter into contracts;
(b) acquire, hold and dispose of property;
(c) appoint agents and attorneys;
(d) engage consultants;
(e) charge for services and facilities it supplies;
(f) do anything else necessary or convenient to be done for, or in connection with, the performance of its functions.
pt.2-div.2 Membership
Membership
sec.4C Membership
sec.4C Membership
The board consists of the following members—
a senior officer of the department nominated by the Minister;
2 persons elected under section 8 ;
3 other persons nominated by the Minister.
Each member mentioned in subsection (1) (a) or (b) , and 2 of the members mentioned in subsection (1) (c) , must be eligible veterinary surgeons.
Each member is to be appointed by the Governor in Council.
s 4C ins 2001 No. 63 s 38
amd 2013 No. 41 s 80
(sec.4C-ssec.1) The board consists of the following members— a senior officer of the department nominated by the Minister; 2 persons elected under section 8 ; 3 other persons nominated by the Minister.
(sec.4C-ssec.2) Each member mentioned in subsection (1) (a) or (b) , and 2 of the members mentioned in subsection (1) (c) , must be eligible veterinary surgeons.
(sec.4C-ssec.3) Each member is to be appointed by the Governor in Council.
(a) a senior officer of the department nominated by the Minister;
(b) 2 persons elected under section 8 ;
(c) 3 other persons nominated by the Minister.
sec.4D Chairperson and deputy chairperson
sec.4D Chairperson and deputy chairperson
The chairperson of the board is the member mentioned in section 4C (1) (a) .
The deputy chairperson of the board is the member appointed by the Minister as the deputy chairperson.
The deputy chairperson must be an eligible veterinary surgeon.
s 4D ins 2001 No. 63 s 38
amd 2013 No. 41 s 81
(sec.4D-ssec.1) The chairperson of the board is the member mentioned in section 4C (1) (a) .
(sec.4D-ssec.2) The deputy chairperson of the board is the member appointed by the Minister as the deputy chairperson.
(sec.4D-ssec.3) The deputy chairperson must be an eligible veterinary surgeon.
sec.4E Qualifications for membership
sec.4E Qualifications for membership
A person is not qualified to be or to continue as a member if the person—
is an undischarged bankrupt or, as a debtor, takes advantage of the laws in force for the time being relating to bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or
is convicted of an indictable offence, whether on indictment or summarily; or
is convicted of an offence against this Act; or
is incapable of performing the duties of a member because of physical or mental incapacity.
s 4E ins 2001 No. 63 s 38
(a) is an undischarged bankrupt or, as a debtor, takes advantage of the laws in force for the time being relating to bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or
(b) is convicted of an indictable offence, whether on indictment or summarily; or
(c) is convicted of an offence against this Act; or
(d) is incapable of performing the duties of a member because of physical or mental incapacity.
sec.4F Vacation of office
sec.4F Vacation of office
The office of a member becomes vacant if the member—
dies; or
resigns office by written notice given to the Minister; or
is absent without the board’s permission from 3 consecutive meetings of the board of which proper notice was given; or
ceases to be qualified to be a member.
If the member is a veterinary surgeon, the member also ceases to hold office if the member ceases to be a veterinary surgeon.
s 4F ins 2001 No. 63 s 38
(sec.4F-ssec.1) The office of a member becomes vacant if the member— dies; or resigns office by written notice given to the Minister; or is absent without the board’s permission from 3 consecutive meetings of the board of which proper notice was given; or ceases to be qualified to be a member.
(sec.4F-ssec.2) If the member is a veterinary surgeon, the member also ceases to hold office if the member ceases to be a veterinary surgeon.
(a) dies; or
(b) resigns office by written notice given to the Minister; or
(c) is absent without the board’s permission from 3 consecutive meetings of the board of which proper notice was given; or
(d) ceases to be qualified to be a member.
sec.4G Term of appointment
sec.4G Term of appointment
A member, other than the chairperson, is to be appointed for a term of not more than 3 years.
However, if at the end of the member’s term of appointment a person has not been appointed to replace the member, the member’s term does not end until—
the member has been reappointed; or
if the member is not reappointed—another person has been appointed to replace the member.
s 4G ins 2001 No. 63 s 38
(sec.4G-ssec.1) A member, other than the chairperson, is to be appointed for a term of not more than 3 years.
(sec.4G-ssec.2) However, if at the end of the member’s term of appointment a person has not been appointed to replace the member, the member’s term does not end until— the member has been reappointed; or if the member is not reappointed—another person has been appointed to replace the member.
(a) the member has been reappointed; or
(b) if the member is not reappointed—another person has been appointed to replace the member.
sec.5 Filling vacancy in office of board member
sec.5 Filling vacancy in office of board member
Any extraordinary vacancy which at any time occurs in the office of member by death, removal, resignation, or otherwise shall be filled as soon as may be by the appointment of another member; but a member appointed to fill any such vacancy shall be deemed to hold the office of the member’s predecessor, and shall hold office only so long as the member’s predecessor would have done had no such vacancy occurred.
In the case of an elected member, a vacancy shall be filled by the appointment as prescribed of a person recommended by the Minister from a panel of 3 persons nominated by the Queensland division of the Australian Veterinary Association Limited.
If that association fails within 14 days after a request in writing in that behalf by the Minister to submit a nomination, the Minister may without that nomination recommend to the Governor in Council a person who is in the opinion of the Minister a suitable person, as a member of the board, and the person so recommended shall be deemed to be duly nominated.
s 5 amd 1973 No. 86 s 5 ; 1986 No. 6 s 7 ; 2001 No. 63 s 39
(sec.5-ssec.1) Any extraordinary vacancy which at any time occurs in the office of member by death, removal, resignation, or otherwise shall be filled as soon as may be by the appointment of another member; but a member appointed to fill any such vacancy shall be deemed to hold the office of the member’s predecessor, and shall hold office only so long as the member’s predecessor would have done had no such vacancy occurred.
(sec.5-ssec.2) In the case of an elected member, a vacancy shall be filled by the appointment as prescribed of a person recommended by the Minister from a panel of 3 persons nominated by the Queensland division of the Australian Veterinary Association Limited.
(sec.5-ssec.3) If that association fails within 14 days after a request in writing in that behalf by the Minister to submit a nomination, the Minister may without that nomination recommend to the Governor in Council a person who is in the opinion of the Minister a suitable person, as a member of the board, and the person so recommended shall be deemed to be duly nominated.
sec.5A Excluded matter for Corporations legislation
sec.5A Excluded matter for Corporations legislation
The board is declared to be an excluded matter for the Corporations Act , section 5F , in relation to the following provisions of the Corporations Act —
parts 2D.1 and 2D.6 ;
chapters 2K and 2L ;
parts 5.7 , 5.7B , 5.9 and 5B.2 .
s 5A ins 2001 No. 45 s 29 sch 3
(a) parts 2D.1 and 2D.6 ;
(b) chapters 2K and 2L ;
(c) parts 5.7 , 5.7B , 5.9 and 5B.2 .
sec.6 Chairperson is executive officer of board
sec.6 Chairperson is executive officer of board
The chairperson is the executive officer of the board.
Every appointment, and every order, notice, certificate, or other document of the board relating to the execution of this Act is sufficiently authenticated if signed by the chairperson or any 2 members of the board.
s 6 amd 2001 No. 63 s 58 sch
(sec.6-ssec.1) The chairperson is the executive officer of the board.
(sec.6-ssec.2) Every appointment, and every order, notice, certificate, or other document of the board relating to the execution of this Act is sufficiently authenticated if signed by the chairperson or any 2 members of the board.
pt.2-div.3 Election of members
Election of members
Section sec.7
s 7 amd 1973 No. 86 s 6 ; 1986 No. 6 s 8 ; 2000 No. 16 s 590 sch 1 pt 2 (amdt could not be given effect)
om 2001 No. 63 s 41
sec.8 Board to hold elections of members
sec.8 Board to hold elections of members
There must be an election of the elected members of the board.
Each election after the first election must be held on the day that the board by resolution appoints.
The day appointed by the board under subsection (2) must be within the period that is more than 6 months, but not more than 1 year, before the term of appointment of the elected members of the board ends.
The registrar shall be the returning officer at any election held under this Act, and each eligible veterinary surgeon shall be entitled to vote and shall have 1 vote only.
Notice of every election, the form of ballot paper and method of voting thereat, and the time and manner of nomination of every candidate for e
This is an opening excerpt, not the complete document.