John MULLAHY (Glen Waverley)
(15:34): I too am pleased to rise today to speak on the Domestic Animals Amendment (Rehoming Cats and Dogs and Other Matters) Bill 2025. From the outset, I would like to thank the Minister for Agriculture and her team for their efforts in bringing this important piece of legislation to the house. I do note all the wonderful stories we have had of our furry family friends, and I would like to just note that I am a dog person. I am not a big fan of cats, as I am allergic to them. However, there are some cats that I am truly a big fan of, and they are the Geelong Cats. They were magnificent last weekend. We currently do not have a dog. We lost our little furry friend back on 21 February this year after 15 long years of wonderful times with Oscar. We buried him under a cherry blossom tree in the garden, and just today we have got the first blossoms on that tree.
Anyway, this bill continues the work of the Victorian government to strengthen animal welfare, improve regulation and support the many volunteers and organisations across our state who dedicate their time to rehoming cats and dogs. The legislation is the product of years of careful policy work, engagement with stakeholders and the recommendations of the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets. It reflects a deliberate and considered effort to implement recommendations 7 through to 11 of the taskforce by introducing a regulatory framework that properly recognises and supports the pet rehoming sector. The origins of the bill lie in the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets, which reported to government in 2021 after extensive consultation with the sector. That taskforce sets out 17 recommendations, and this bill will deliver on recommendations 7 through to 11, which call for a clear regulatory framework for the pet rehoming sector. The bill is therefore a direct continuation of the government’s commitment to implement the taskforce findings in full and to give rehoming organisations the recognition and support they deserve.
The legislation establishes the pet rehoming organisation authorisation scheme. This voluntary scheme will allow eligible rehoming organisations to apply to be formally authorised by the state. Authorisation will bring with it benefits designed to reduce administrative burdens, improve opportunities for rehoming and ensure strong welfare standards. The scheme will also provide clarity for councils and the wider community about which organisations meet the standards expected under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. Eligibility to apply will be open to organisations that hold an ABN and are registered as charities with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. These criteria are important because they ensure accountability and transparency. Once authorised, organisations will hold that authorisation for up to three years before renewal is required. During that time they will operate under clear conditions set by the secretary of the department and underpinned by regulations that will be developed in consultation with the sector. Participation in the scheme will be entirely voluntary. Organisations may continue to operate outside the scheme if they wish, but those that join will access significant benefits. Authorised organisations will be able to hold adoption days in partnership with shelters, pounds and prescribed pet shops, creating more opportunities to rehome animals. And obviously on these adoption days, maybe I will have to get down there and get a new member of our family. My daughter is absolutely obsessed with dogs. She has about 200 stuffed toy animal dogs in her room, and so she is putting the pressure on us to get a new member of the family – not yet, not this weekend.
The bill will also make important amendments to improve information sharing and transparency. Authorised organisations will be required to notify local council within seven business days when animals enter foster care, when they move locations or when they are rehomed. They will also be required to report outcome data – sometimes known as fate data – to the state government. This information will be collected in a new pet rehoming information register maintained by the department.
I do want to just mention a couple of the wonderful local organisations in my area. Locally in the Glen Waverley district we see the dedication of our community groups and volunteers who live out these values every day. Organisations such as the Tails of the Forgotten Paws AU, which has rehomed cats across Glen Waverley; Nigel’s Animal Rescue, which services our area; Wildlife Victoria, which provides 24-hour emergency response for injured native animals; and the Friends of Bushy Park Wetlands, which safeguards local habitats, all deserve recognition. Their work demonstrates the strength of community involvement in animal welfare, and this bill is designed to support and complement these efforts.
In conclusion, the Domestic Animals Amendment (Rehoming Cats and Dogs and Other Matters) Bill 2025 represents a significant and timely reform. It creates a modern framework that supports rehoming organisations, it improves welfare outcomes for cats and dogs and it gives councils and government the tools they need to regulate effectively. It acknowledges the extraordinary contribution of volunteers and organisations across Victoria, while ensuring that animal welfare remains at the heart of our laws. It builds on past reforms, and it delivers on recommendations of the Taskforce on Rehoming Pets. I commend the bill to the house.