Statutes Amendment Bill (No 5)

We are here today considering the Statutes Amendment Bill (No 5) and two Supplementary Order Papers. One of those Supplementary Order Papers splits the bill. I do not really have too much of a problem with that. The other, Supplementary Order Paper 3, addresses the Child Support Act 1991. When we look at the Bills Digest explanation of what this Supplementary Order Paper is all about—

The CHAIRPERSON (Hon Clem Simich): I am sorry to interrupt the member, but in this debate we must confine ourselves to the part we are dealing with and only to that part. Part 1 deals with animal welfare.

I will continue, talking about animal welfare. Part 1 amends the Animal Welfare Act by substituting a new section that extends the time for the laying of an information in relation to offences against the Act from 1 year to 2 years, if the offence was committed on or after the date on which the new section, section 167, comes into force. We here on the National Party benches do not actually have a great deal of problem with that. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has said it has difficulties in prosecuting under the Act because it is unable to lay the relevant information within the 1-year time period. Representing the East Coast, which is, of course, a rural area, I have had representations from people telling me of those difficulties and asking us to support this part of bill, and I do so on behalf of the National Party.

Part 1 agreed to.

Part 2 Biosecurity Act 1993