Proposed Amendment In Sa

[butterup]

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/government-to-take-over-farm-inspections/story-e6frea83-1226312679750

Legislation is progressing through State Parliament to hand farm inspections to government inspectors..

THE RSPCA would no longer have the power to inspect animal welfare standards on South Australian farms under a change to livestock legislation.

Family First Upper House MP Robert Brokenshire moved the amendment because he believed animal welfare inspection should be the responsibility of the government, and not passed on to an overloaded RSPCA.

However, it is understood the change could cost the government an extra $500,000 to $700,000.

"Animal welfare for agriculture should be primarily under the policing powers of Primary Industries and Resources SA," Mr Brokenshire told Parliament during debate on the amendment, which passed and will now need to be approved by the Lower House to become law.

"I think it is a huge ask of a charity, and the right place to have the policing powers is within PIRSA."

Start of sidebar. Skip to end of sidebar.

End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.

Mr Brokenshire said the RSPCA received about $200,000 from the government for inspection work but he did not want this funding diverted away from the organisation which "has a lot on its plate".

Agriculture Minister Gail Gago argued against the amendment saying it would be perceived as "watering down and selling out animal welfare in the livestock industry".

"We believe the RSPCA is best placed to deliver these services," she said.

"The current arrangements have served us very well, and I think to make changes to that, in the way that Mr Brokenshire's amendment does, could have an adverse impact on the livestock industry."

Ms Gago said Mr Brokenshire's suggestion that the RSPCA be allowed to keep its $200,000 in funding was "quite ironic" given the cost pressure the increased responsibilities would place on PIRSA.

The Opposition and Independent MLC John Darley supported the amendment.

[Sheridan]

So the SA Government doesn't trust its own inspectors.

[Souff]

Or is it just that the boss does not want to take on the extra responsibility?

Souff

[Leema]

Yay. I look forward to when the RSPCA doesn't not have to inspect ANYTHING, and they can work on being a good charity and a good shelter - instead of doing everything badly.

[WreckitWhippet]

Or is it just that the boss does not want to take on the extra responsibility?

Souff

I'd be more inclined to think , doesn't want to pay for it, out of their budget

and I 100% agree with Leema