LIVESTOCK ACT 2008
NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA
LIVESTOCK ACT 2008
As in force at 30 April 2024
Table of provisions
Part 1 Preliminary matters
1 Short title ......................................................................................... 1
2 Commencement .............................................................................. 1
3 Object .............................................................................................. 1
4 Definitions ........................................................................................ 2
5 Livestock.......................................................................................... 7
6 Application of Criminal Code ........................................................... 8
7 Act binds Crown .............................................................................. 8
Part 2 Identification of livestock, properties and
other things
Division 1 Brands and earmarks
8 Prescription of livestock for this Division .......................................... 8
9 Registration of 3-letter brand, symbol brand and earmark ............... 8
10 Limit on number of brands to be registered for property .................. 8
11 Transfer of registered 3-letter brand ................................................ 9
12 Cancellation of registration, substitution and re-registration ............ 9
13 Registration of symbol brand for Chief Inspector ............................. 9
14 Brands for public pounds ................................................................. 9
Division 2 Identification of properties and other things
15 System for identifying certain properties.......................................... 9
16 Approval of identification devices and marks ................................. 10
Part 2A Biosecurity management plans
16A Definitions ...................................................................................... 10
16B Biosecurity management plans...................................................... 11
16C Sign to be affixed at property to which biosecurity
management plan applies.............................................................. 11
16D Consent to enter biosecurity management area ............................ 12
16E Notification of entry ........................................................................ 13
16F Copy of biosecurity management plan to be provided ................... 13
16G Compliance with biosecurity management plan............................. 13
16H Inspector's powers in relation to biosecurity management
plans .............................................................................................. 14
-- 1 of 84 --
Livestock Act 2008 ii
Part 3 Travelling livestock and stray livestock
Division 1 Prescribed imported livestock
17 Prescribed imported livestock and health certificate ...................... 14
18 Notice of restrictions ...................................................................... 15
19 No purchase without health certificate ........................................... 15
Division 2 Prescribed travelling livestock
20 Prescribed travelling livestock and waybill ..................................... 15
21 No purchase without waybill .......................................................... 16
Division 3 Use of stock routes
22 Closure of stock route .................................................................... 16
23 Prescribed rate of travel ................................................................ 17
24 Travelling livestock not to be left unattended ................................. 17
Division 4 Travelling livestock and stray livestock on or
near properties
25 Owner of property may examine travelling livestock...................... 18
26 Notification of escape of travelling livestock .................................. 18
27 Owner may retrieve stray livestock from property.......................... 19
Division 5 Inspector's powers relating to travelling
livestock
28 Powers........................................................................................... 20
Part 4 Disease control
Division 1 Preliminary matters
29 Infected livestock and other things ................................................ 21
30 Declaration and classification of notifiable diseases ...................... 21
31 Publication of list of notifiable diseases ......................................... 22
32 Approval of laboratories and tests ................................................. 22
Division 2 General powers for investigation and
protection
33 Inspectors may investigate and destroy ........................................ 22
34 Inspectors may mark or treat livestock and other things................ 23
35 Inspector may order destruction of carcasses ............................... 23
36 Chief Inspector may order erection or maintenance of facilities .... 24
37 Chief Inspector may order general protection measures ............... 24
38 Chief inspector may order detention .............................................. 24
-- 2 of 84 --
Livestock Act 2008 iii
39 Chief Inspector may seize and order destruction or removal ......... 24
40 Order for destruction or disposal to minimise risk of disease ........ 25
41 Offence to contravene order .......................................................... 25
Division 3 Quarantine orders
42 Quarantine order: suspected presence of disease in thing
(including livestock) ....................................................................... 25
43 Quarantine order: suspected presence of disease on property ..... 26
43A Quarantine order: suspected presence of disease on area of
land ................................................................................................ 26
44 Period of quarantine order ............................................................. 26
45 Offence to contravene quarantine order ........................................ 27
Division 4 Classification of properties
46 Determination of classifications for properties ............................... 27
47 Classification of property ............................................................... 27
48 Restrictions and requirements for classified property .................... 27
Division 5 Disease control programs
49 Object of Division ........................................................................... 28
50 Establishment of control program .................................................. 28
51 Requirement for particular test ...................................................... 29
52 Approvals....................................................................................... 29
53 Orders ........................................................................................... 29
53A Actions in relation to unowned livestock ........................................ 31
54 Emergency disease: treatment or destruction of certain
structures ....................................................................................... 31
55 Emergency disease: standstill zone declaration ............................ 32
56 Standstill zone movement permit................................................... 33
57 Reimbursement of expenses ......................................................... 34
Division 6 Declared areas
58 Declaration .................................................................................... 34
59 Restriction of movement ................................................................ 34
60 Dealing with unowned or stray livestock in declared area ............. 35
61 Offences relating to fences and gates ........................................... 35
Division 7 Miscellaneous offences
62 Emergency disease infection notice – owner................................. 36
63 Endemic or exotic disease infection notice – owner ...................... 36
64 Notifiable disease infection notice – travelling livestock ................ 36
65 Notifiable disease infection notice – veterinarian ........................... 37
66 Contact with animal pathogen ....................................................... 37
67 Sale of infected livestock or animal products ................................. 38
-- 3 of 84 --
Livestock Act 2008 iv
68 Misleading statement about disease status ................................... 38
Part 5 Compensation
Division 1 Preliminary matters
69 Destroyed livestock and destroyed things ..................................... 39
Division 2 General entitlement to compensation and
other money
70 When compensation payable ........................................................ 39
71 Approval of additional compensation ............................................. 40
72 When compensation not payable .................................................. 40
73 Sale money to be paid to owner of slaughtered livestock .............. 41
Division 3 Compensation for particular destroyed
livestock
74 Application of Division ................................................................... 41
75 Determination of amount of compensation .................................... 41
76 Application for compensation......................................................... 42
Division 4 Compensation for other destroyed livestock
and destroyed things
77 Application of Division ................................................................... 42
78 Determination of amount of compensation .................................... 42
79 Application for compensation......................................................... 42
80 Appointment of and determination by valuation panel ................... 43
81 Determination by valuer if valuation panel cannot agree ............... 44
82 Request for review of determination .............................................. 44
83 Selection of valuation reviewer ...................................................... 44
84 Determination by valuation reviewer .............................................. 45
85 Payment of compensation ............................................................. 45
Part 6 Administration and enforcement
Division 1 Registrar and registers
86 Office of Registrar.......................................................................... 45
87 Registers to be kept and information to be provided ..................... 46
88 Inspections and copies of register and publication of
information ..................................................................................... 46
89 Approval of documents and codes ................................................ 46
Division 2 Chief Inspector and inspectors
90 Appointment of Chief Inspector ..................................................... 47
-- 4 of 84 --
Livestock Act 2008 v
91 Appointment of inspectors ............................................................. 47
92 Identity cards ................................................................................. 47
Division 3 General powers and functions of inspectors
93 Chief Inspector's powers and functions ......................................... 48
94 Inspector's powers and functions .................................................. 48
95 Chief Inspector may approve form of documents .......................... 49
96 Chief Inspector may require information or documents ................. 49
97 Chief Inspector may give orders about seized things .................... 49
98 Chief Inspector may restrict use of biological preparation and
drugs ............................................................................................. 49
99 Inspector may authorise person to assist ...................................... 50
100 Inspector may require name and address ..................................... 50
101 Inspector may use reasonable force .............................................. 50
102 Inspector may place notices on land ............................................. 51
103 Inspector may muster livestock ..................................................... 51
Division 4 Inspector's powers of entry, search and
seizure
104 Entry of premises generally ........................................................... 51
105 Application for and issue of warrant ............................................... 52
106 Effect and term of warrant ............................................................. 52
107 Powers on entry of premises ......................................................... 53
108 Powers of seizure following entry .................................................. 54
109 Procedure generally following seizure ........................................... 54
110 Retention of things seized if connected with offence ..................... 55
111 Seizure and destruction of wildlife requires approval..................... 56
Division 5 Orders, notices and authorisations
112 Giving orders ................................................................................. 56
113 Action and recovery of expense if contravention of order .............. 56
114 Authorisations ................................................................................ 56
115 Orders and notices may apply other documents ........................... 57
Division 6 Miscellaneous matters
116 Delegation by Minister or Chief Executive Officer.......................... 57
117 Protection from liability .................................................................. 57
Part 7 Review of decisions
118 No review of certain decisions relating to emergency disease ...... 58
119 Reviewable decisions of Registrar................................................. 58
120 Reviewable decisions of Chief Inspector ....................................... 59
121 Reviewable decisions of inspectors ............................................... 59
122 Notice of reviewable decision ........................................................ 59
-- 5 of 84 --
Livestock Act 2008 vi
123 Application for internal review ........................................................ 60
124 Internal review by Chief Executive Officer ..................................... 60
125 Review by NTCAT ......................................................................... 61
Part 8 Miscellaneous offences and legal
proceedings
Division 1 Miscellaneous offences
126 Misleading information and document ........................................... 61
127 Impersonation ................................................................................ 62
128 Obstruction and abusive language ................................................ 63
129 Interference with notice or sign ...................................................... 63
Division 2 Legal proceedings
130 Prosecutions .................................................................................. 64
131 When thing connected with offence ............................................... 64
132 Evidence in relation to brands and earmarks................................. 64
133 Evidentiary certificate by Chief Inspector ....................................... 64
134 Criminal liability of executive officer of body corporate –
evidential burden of proof on defence ........................................... 65
135 Self-incrimination ........................................................................... 66
136 Continuing offences ....................................................................... 66
Part 9 Miscellaneous matters
137 Territory not required to provide water or fodder on stock route .... 67
138 Acquisition on just terms ................................................................ 67
139 Regulations.................................................................................... 67
Part 10 Repeals and transitional matters for
Livestock Act 2008
140 Definition........................................................................................ 68
141 Repeals ......................................................................................... 69
142 Brands, certificates and registers .................................................. 69
143 Decisions relating to brands .......................................................... 69
144 Property and livestock identification .............................................. 69
145 Determination of compensation ..................................................... 70
146 Waybills and interstate health certificates ...................................... 70
Part 11 Transitional matters for Statute Law
Amendment (Directors' Liability) Act 2015
147 Offences – before and after commencement................................. 70
-- 6 of 84 --
Livestock Act 2008 vii
Part 12 Transitional matters for Livestock and
Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024
148 Definitions ...................................................................................... 71
149 Applications and reviews of decisions made before
commencement ............................................................................. 71
Schedule Repealed Acts
ENDNOTES
-- 7 of 84 --
-- 8 of 84 --
NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA
____________________
As in force at 30 April 2024
____________________
LIVESTOCK ACT 2008
An Act relating to livestock and associated matters
Part 1 Preliminary matters
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Livestock Act 2008.
2 Commencement
This Act commences on the date fixed by the Administrator by
Gazette notice.
3 Object
The object of this Act is to promote a sustainable livestock industry
and associated industries by:
(a) establishing methods of identifying and tracing livestock; and
(b) supporting market access to, and product integrity of, livestock
and livestock products; and
(ba) providing for the making and enforcement of biosecurity
management plans; and
(c) regulating the movement of livestock, animal products and
other things associated with livestock; and
(d) protecting the health and welfare of livestock by establishing
standards and procedures for managing livestock, controlling
diseases and implementing the national biosecurity strategy
and by other means; and
(e) providing compensation for losses caused by certain livestock
diseases.
-- 9 of 84 --
Part 1 Preliminary matters
Livestock Act 2008 2
4 Definitions
In this Act:
3-letter brand means a brand consisting of 3 letters, including the
letter "T", of a size prescribed by regulation.
abattoir means an establishment at which the slaughter of livestock
is licensed under the Meat Industries Act 1996.
animal pathogen means a prion, virus, rickettsia, bacterium,
protozoon, fungus, helminth, arthropod, insect or other pathogen or
organism that is capable of causing a disease in livestock.
animal product includes the following:
(a) the carcass or a portion of a carcass of livestock;
(b) the meat, blood, hide, skin, wool, hair, feathers, beaks, horns,
antlers, hooves, feet and offal of livestock;
(c) fat, milk, whey, cream, butter, cheese, eggs and other food or
foodstuffs derived from livestock;
(d) honey and other products from honey bees;
(e) the semen, ova or embryo of livestock;
(f) the secretions and excretions, including manure and other
wastes, from livestock.
approved form means a form approved under section 89(1) or 95.
authorisation means an authorisation in accordance with
section 114.
biological preparation means any of the following:
(a) a product used in relation to the diagnosis, prevention,
alleviation or cure of a disease or abnormal condition in
livestock that is:
(i) prepared in any manner from animal tissue (including
blood, lymph or glandular secretion); or
(ii) produced in any manner by the agency of any
microscopic or ultramicroscopic organisms or ferments;
(b) a synthetic compound identical with or closely related to a
product mentioned in paragraph (a) and having or claimed to
have a comparable use;
-- 10 of 84 --
Part 1 Preliminary matters
Livestock Act 2008 3
(c) a substance prescribed by regulation.
biosecurity impact, for Part 2A, see section 16A.
biosecurity management area means an area of land to which a
biosecurity management plan applies.
biosecurity management plan means a biosecurity management
plan made under section 16B.
biosecurity matter, for Part 2A, see section 16A.
brand means a 3-letter brand or symbol brand.
buffalo means animals of the species Bubalus bubalis.
carcass includes the hide, skin, wool, hair and viscera of an
animal.
carrier, for Part 2A, see section 16A.
cattle means bovine animals but does not include buffalo.
Chief Inspector means the person holding or occupying the office
of Chief Inspector of Livestock mentioned in section 90.
classified property means a property given a classification under
section 47(1).
control, of a disease, includes the following:
(a) investigating the existence of the disease;
(b) monitoring the extent of the disease;
(c) preventing the occurrence or spread of the disease;
(d) preventing the disease entering the Territory;
(e) eradicating the disease.
control program means a disease control program established
under section 50(1).
controlled livestock, see section 50(2)(b).
Crown lands, see the Crown Lands Act 1992.
declared area means an area or zone declared under
section 58(1)(a), (b) or (c).
-- 11 of 84 --
Part 1 Preliminary matters
Livestock Act 2008 4
destroyed livestock, for Part 5, see section 69(1).
destroyed things, for Part 5, see section 69(2).
determination of classifications, see section 46(1).
determination of compensation means a determination of
compensation payable under Part 5, Division 4.
disease means a disease or condition capable of affecting
livestock.
earmark means a mark made on the ear of an animal.
emergency disease, see section 30(3).
endemic disease, see section 30(4).
enter includes board.
exotic disease, see section 30(5).
fence includes a wall, railing and any similar fixed or portable
barrier or structure.
fodder means hay, straw, grass, green crop, root, vegetable, grain,
corn, meal, licks, litter, manure, manufactured foodstuff,
mammalian material or other similar thing:
(a) used, or intended for use, as food or litter for livestock; or
(b) used, or intended for use, as an ingredient of food or litter for
livestock; or
(c) found with or near livestock.
health certificate, for prescribed imported livestock, means a
health certificate in accordance with section 17(2).
honey bee means a European honey bee of the species Apis
mellifera.
horse means an equine animal.
infected, see section 29(1).
inspector means a person holding or occupying the office of an
inspector of livestock mentioned in section 91, and includes the
Chief Inspector.
livestock, see section 5.
-- 12 of 84 --
Part 1 Preliminary matters
Livestock Act 2008 5
mammalian material means:
(a) blood, bone, flesh or other tissue from mammals; or
(b) meal obtained by rendering mammalian blood, bone, flesh or
other tissue.
nominated person, for a biosecurity management plan, see
section 16B(1)(b).
notifiable disease, see section 30(2).
obstruct includes resist and hinder.
owner includes the following:
(a) in relation to premises – a person who holds an estate in fee
simple in, or a lease or licence over, the premises and a
person who manages or has control over the premises;
(b) in relation to livestock or other things – an agent or employee
of the owner and a person who has control of the livestock or
thing.
pecuniary interest, for Part 5, Division 4, does not include a fee or
commission payable to a member of a valuation panel, valuer or
valuation reviewer.
possession includes custody, care, control and supervision.
poultry includes all species of domestic ducks, geese and turkeys.
premises means any of the following:
(a) a property;
(b) a building or other structure and the land on which it is
situated, irrespective of whether the building or structure is
affixed to the land;
(c) a vehicle, including an aircraft, vessel and rolling stock
operating on or using a railway track.
prescribed imported livestock means livestock prescribed under
section 17(1).
prescribed travelling livestock means livestock prescribed under
section 20(1).
program area, see section 50(2)(c).
-- 13 of 84 --
Part 1 Preliminary matters
Livestock Act 2008 6
property means land held by a person under any form of tenure.
quarantine order means an order made under Part 4, Division 3.
reasonably believes means believes on reasonable grounds.
reasonably suspects means suspects on reasonable grounds.
registered, in relation to a person, thing or matter, means
information about the person, thing or matter entered in a register
kept under this Act.
registered veterinarian, see the Veterinarians Act 1994.
Registrar means the person holding or occupying the office of
Registrar mentioned in section 86.
residential premises means premises used exclusively or
primarily as a residence, and includes a private room in (but not any
other part of) a motel, hotel or guesthouse.
reviewable decision means a decision mentioned in section 119,
120 or 121.
sell means dispose of for valuable consideration, and includes the
following:
(a) barter;
(b) consign to an agent for sale;
(c) offer for sale;
(d) receive or possess for sale;
(e) expose for sale;
(f) send or deliver for sale;
(g) permit to be sold, offered or exposed for sale.
standstill zone means an area declared under section 55(1) to be
a standstill zone.
standstill zone movement permit means a permit issued under
section 56(1).
stock route means land:
(a) reserved under the Crown Lands Act 1992 for a stock route
and travelling stock; or
-- 14 of 84 --
Part 1 Preliminary matters
Livestock Act 2008 7
(b) declared under the Crown Lands Act 1992 to be a route for
the passage of travelling stock.
structure includes a yard, pen and enclosure but does not include
a building used as residential premises.
symbol brand means a brand consisting of a symbol.
travelling livestock means livestock driven on the hoof, or
transported by road, rail, water or air in the Territory, outside the
property on which the livestock are usually kept.
test includes analysis, examination, experiment and investigation.
treat means to dip, drench, dress, rub, spray, spot, vaccinate,
inject, implant, disinfect, fumigate or otherwise treat or clean with a
substance or mixture of substances.
unowned, in relation to livestock, includes livestock that is feral or
abandoned.
valuation panel means the valuation panel constituted under
section 80.
valuation reviewer means a person selected under section 83 to
review a determination of compensation.
valuer means a person appointed under section 81 to make a
determination of compensation.
warrant means a warrant to enter residential premises issued
under section 105(2).
waybill means an approved form of waybill.
Note for section 4
The Interpretation Act 1978 contains definitions and other provisions that may be
relevant to this Act.
5 Livestock
(1) The following animals are livestock:
(a) crocodiles, cattle, buffalo, horses, camels, sheep, goats, pigs
(including wild pigs), deer, llamas, alpacas, poultry and honey
bees;
(b) any other animals declared to be livestock under
subsection (2).
-- 15 of 84 --
Part 2 Identification of livestock, properties and other things
Division 1 Brands and earmarks
Livestock Act 2008 8
(2) The Minister may, by Gazette notice, declare animals to be
livestock.
6 Application of Criminal Code
Part IIAA of the Criminal Code applies to an offence against this
Act.
Note
Part IIAA of the Criminal Code states the general principles of criminal
responsibility, establishes general defences, and deals with burden of proof. It
also defines, or elaborates on, certain concepts commonly used in the creation of
offences.
7 Act binds Crown
This Act binds the Crown in right of the Territory and, to the extent
the legislative power of the Legislative Assembly permits, the
Crown in all its other capacities.
Part 2 Identification of livestock, properties and other
things
Division 1 Brands and earmarks
8 Prescription of livestock for this Division
The regulations may prescribe the livestock for which the Registrar
may register 3-letter brands under this Division.
9 Registration of 3-letter brand, symbol brand and earmark
(1) On application by a person in accordance with the regulations, the
Registrar may register a 3-letter brand to the person:
(a) for use on a particular property; and
(b) to be applied to particular livestock prescribed under section 8.
(2) On application by the registered owner of a 3-letter brand, the
Registrar may register a symbol brand or earmark (or both) in
connection with the 3-letter brand.
10 Limit on number of brands to be registered for property
(1) A person may have only one 3-letter brand registered to the person
for use on a particular property.
-- 16 of 84 --
Part 2 Identification of livestock, properties and other things
Division 2 Identification of properties and other things
Livestock Act 2008 9
(2) The registered owner of a 3-letter brand may have no more than
3 symbol brands registered in connection with the 3-letter brand.
11 Transfer of registered 3-letter brand
(1) The registered owner of a 3-letter brand may apply to the Registrar
to register the transfer of the brand to another person.
(2) The transfer of a 3-letter brand operates as a transfer of all symbol
brands and earmarks registered in connection with the 3-letter
brand.
12 Cancellation of registration, substitution and re-registration
(1) The Registrar must cancel the registration of a 3-letter brand as
soon as practicable after the registered owner of the brand applies
for its cancellation.
(2) The Registrar may cancel the registration of a 3-letter brand on the
Registrar's initiative only in accordance with the regulations.
(3) If the registration of a 3-letter brand is cancelled, the registration of
a symbol brand or earmark in connection with the cancelled 3-letter
brand is also cancelled unless the Registrar registers another
3-letter brand in substitution for the cancelled brand.
(4) The Registrar may re-register a 3-letter brand 5 or more years after
the date on which the registration of the brand was cancelled.
13 Registration of symbol brand for Chief Inspector
On application by the Chief Inspector, the Registrar may register a
symbol brand to be used in connection with the testing or treatment
of particular livestock.
14 Brands for public pounds
(1) If a public pound is established in the Territory, the Registrar must
allot a brand to the pound for use on impounded horses or cattle.
(2) The Registrar must keep a register of brands allotted to public
pounds.
Division 2 Identification of properties and other things
15 System for identifying certain properties
(1) The Registrar may establish and administer a system to identify
each property on which livestock prescribed by regulation are kept.
-- 17 of 84 --
Part 2A Biosecurity management plans
Livestock Act 2008 10
(2) The Registrar must allot a property identification code to each
property identified by the system and keep a register of allotted
codes.
16 Approval of identification devices and marks
(1) The Registrar may, by Gazette notice, approve identification
devices or identification marks to be attached or applied to, or used
on, livestock or things associated with livestock.
(2) An approval by the Registrar may be in connection with the
property identification system established under section 15 or for
any other system of identification under this Act.
Part 2A Biosecurity management plans
16A Definitions
In this Part:
biosecurity impact means an adverse effect on the economy, the
environment or the community that arises, or has the potential to
arise, from a biosecurity matter or a carrier introducing or spreading
a disease into or within the Territory or any part of the Territory.
biosecurity matter means any of the following:
(a) livestock or any part of livestock;
(b) an animal product;
(c) a notifiable disease;
(d) an animal pathogen;
(e) a pathogen that can cause disease in a human via
transmission from a livestock host to a human;
(f) a non-living thing that:
(i) occurs in or on a carrier or a thing mentioned in
paragraphs (a) to (e); or
(ii) may be ingested or absorbed by a carrier or a thing
mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (e);
(g) anything prescribed by regulation to be a biosecurity matter.
-- 18 of 84 --
Part 2A Biosecurity management plans
Livestock Act 2008 11
carrier means any thing (whether alive, dead or inanimate,
including a human) that has, or is capable of having, any
biosecurity matter on it, attached to it or contained in it.
16B Biosecurity management plans
(1) The owner of a property for which a property identification code is
allotted under section 15(2) may prepare or adopt a biosecurity
management plan that includes the following:
(a) reasonable measures to prevent, eliminate or minimise the
risk of a biosecurity impact caused by persons entering or
carrying out activities at or from the property;
(b) the name and contact details of the person in charge of
managing entry to the property (the nominated person);
(c) the information prescribed by regulation.
(2) A measure included in a biosecurity management plan that is not a
measure of a kind mentioned in subsection (1)(a) is taken not to be
part of the plan.
(3) A biosecurity management plan may:
(a) apply to the whole or part of a property, but more than one
biosecurity management plan cannot apply to the same part of
the property; and
(b) amend, revoke or replace an existing biosecurity management
plan.
16C Sign to be affixed at property to which biosecurity
management plan applies
(1) The owner of a property to which a biosecurity management plan
applies must erect signage that complies with the requirements of
this section.
(2) A sign must be affixed and conspicuously displayed at each public
motor vehicle and pedestrian access point at the property, or part of
the property, to which the biosecurity management plan applies.
(3) Each sign must include:
(a) a statement that:
(i) a biosecurity management plan applies to the property;
and
-- 19 of 84 --
Part 2A Biosecurity management plans
Livestock Act 2008 12
(ii) entry to the property, or part of the property, without
consent is restricted under section 16D; and
(iii) failure to comply with the plan may be an offence against
this Act; and
(b) the contact details for the nominated person; and
(c) any other information prescribed by regulation.
(4) A person commits an offence if the person defaces, damages or
removes a sign erected under this section.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(5) An offence against subsection (4) is an offence of strict liability.
(6) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (4) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
16D Consent to enter biosecurity management area
(1) This section does not apply in relation to a person who, under a law
of the Territory or the Commonwealth, has a right to enter land that
is a biosecurity management area.
Examples for subsection (1)
1 A person who holds a mineral title under the Mineral Titles Act 2010
authorising the person to conduct mining for minerals or extractive
minerals on land that is part of a biosecurity management area.
2 A person entitled to enter land that is part of a biosecurity management
area under a condition of a lease under the Pastoral Land Act 1992.
(2) A person must not enter a biosecurity management area without
the consent of the nominated person for the biosecurity
management plan for the area.
(3) Consent under subsection (2) must be given in writing or
electronically.
(4) The nominated person may withdraw the consent at any time.
(5) A person with consent to enter a biosecurity management area
must keep a copy of the consent on the person at all times when
the person is in the area and must produce the consent to the
nominated person or an inspector on request.
-- 20 of 84 --
Part 2A Biosecurity management plans
Livestock Act 2008 13
16E Notification of entry
A person who, under a law of the Territory or the Commonwealth,
has a right to enter a biosecurity management area must, before
entering the area, or as soon as reasonably practicable after
entering the area, notify the nominated person of the proposed
entry or entry.
16F Copy of biosecurity management plan to be provided
The nominated person for a biosecurity management plan must
give a copy of the biosecurity management plan:
(a) to a person given consent to enter the biosecurity
management area under section 16D when the consent is
given; and
(b) to a person who gives notice of their entry under section 16E
as soon as practicable after the notice is given.
16G Compliance with biosecurity management plan
(1) A person who enters or remains in a biosecurity management area
must comply with the biosecurity management plan for the area.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person is in a biosecurity management area; and
(b) the person intentionally engages in conduct; and
(c) the conduct results in a contravention of the biosecurity
management plan for the area and the person is reckless in
relation to that result.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(3) Strict liability applies to subsection (2)(a).
(4) It is a defence to the prosecution of an offence against
subsection (2) if the defendant:
(a) is a public sector employee exercising powers or performing
functions under a law of the Territory; or
(b) is an APS employee, as defined in section 7 of the Public
Service Act 1999 (Cth), performing functions under a law of
the Commonwealth; or
(c) enters or remains in the area in an emergency; or
-- 21 of 84 --
Part 3 Travelling livestock and stray livestock
Division 1 Prescribed imported livestock
Livestock Act 2008 14
(d) has a reasonable excuse.
16H Inspector's powers in relation to biosecurity management
plans
(1) For this Act, an inspector may require a person who is in a
biosecurity management area to do any of the following:
(a) state the person's name and address;
(b) provide:
(i) a copy of the person's consent to enter or remain in the
area under section 16D(2); or
(ii) evidence of the person's right under a law of the
Territory or a law of the Commonwealth to enter or
remain in the area.
(2) A person given a requirement under subsection (1) commits an
offence if the person contravenes the requirement.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(3) An offence against subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.
(4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (2) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
Part 3 Travelling livestock and stray livestock
Division 1 Prescribed imported livestock
17 Prescribed imported livestock and health certificate
(1) The regulations may prescribe the livestock that require a health
certificate before being brought into the Territory from a State or
another Territory.
(2) A health certificate for prescribed imported livestock:
(a) must be in an approved form; and
(b) must be completed and signed by a veterinary officer, or
inspector of livestock (however described), employed by the
State or Territory where the travel of the livestock begins.
(3) The health certificate may be included in a waybill issued for the
prescribed imported livestock.
-- 22 of 84 --
Part 3 Travelling livestock and stray livestock
Division 2 Prescribed travelling livestock
Livestock Act 2008 15
(4) The owner of prescribed imported livestock commits an offence if
the owner does not, before the livestock enter the Territory, ensure
there is a health certificate for the livestock.
Fault element: Strict liability offence.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
18 Notice of restrictions
(1) The Chief Inspector may, by Gazette notice, impose restrictions in
relation to the prescribed imported livestock specified in the notice.
(2) The notice may require the owner of the livestock to do any of the
following:
(a) ensure the livestock enter the Territory at a specified place;
(b) before the livestock enter the Territory – test or treat them as
specified in the notice;
(c) before the livestock enter the Territory – identify them or their
disease status (or both) as specified in the notice.
(3) The owner of prescribed imported livestock must not contravene a
notice under subsection (1).
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
19 No purchase without health certificate
A person must not purchase prescribed imported livestock during
their travel in the Territory, or at the place of their destination in the
Territory, if there is no health certificate for the livestock.
Fault element: Knowledge that there is no health certificate
for the livestock.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
Division 2 Prescribed travelling livestock
20 Prescribed travelling livestock and waybill
(1) The regulations may prescribe the livestock for which a waybill
must be issued before the livestock begin travelling.
-- 23 of 84 --
Part 3 Travelling livestock and stray livestock
Division 3 Use of stock routes
Livestock Act 2008 16
(2) The owner of prescribed travelling livestock commits an offence if
the owner does not issue a completed waybill for the livestock
before they begin travelling.
Fault element: Strict liability offence.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if:
(a) the livestock are being returned to the property on which they
are usually kept after straying beyond the boundaries of the
property; or
(b) the owner of the livestock has authorisation from the Registrar
to move the livestock without a waybill.
(4) The Registrar may authorise the owner of prescribed travelling
livestock to move the livestock without a waybill if the Registrar
considers it is reasonable in the circumstances to do so.
21 No purchase without waybill
A person must not purchase prescribed travelling livestock during
their travel in the Territory, or at the place of their destination in the
Territory, if there is no completed waybill for the livestock.
Fault element: Knowledge that there is no waybill for the
livestock.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
Division 3 Use of stock routes
22 Closure of stock route
(1) The Chief Inspector may close all or part of a stock route if the
Chief Inspector considers it should not be used by travelling
livestock.
(2) The closure may be because of (but is not limited to) any of the
following:
(a) drought;
(b) the destruction of pasture;
(c) the need to control a notifiable disease.
-- 24 of 84 --
Part 3 Travelling livestock and stray livestock
Division 3 Use of stock routes
Livestock Act 2008 17
(3) Notice of the closure must be published in the Gazette and a
newspaper circulating in the Territory, and the closure takes effect
on the later date of publication.
(4) A person must not drive travelling livestock on the hoof on a part of
a stock route that is closed under subsection (1).
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) intentionally drives the livestock on the hoof on that part of the
stock route; and
(b) is reckless in relation to the circumstance of the closure.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
23 Prescribed rate of travel
(1) The regulations may prescribe a rate of travel for specified
travelling livestock being driven on the hoof on a stock route
(specified travelling livestock).
(2) A person in charge of specified travelling livestock commits an
offence if the person does not move the livestock towards their
destination at the rate of travel prescribed for the livestock.
Fault element: The person knows or ought to know the
livestock are not moving at the prescribed
rate of travel.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if the person has authorisation from
the Registrar, in accordance with the regulations, to move the
livestock at a slower rate of travel than is prescribed.
24 Travelling livestock not to be left unattended
A person in charge of travelling livestock must not leave any of the
livestock unattended on a stock route.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) intentionally leaves the livestock on a stock route; and
-- 25 of 84 --
Part 3 Travelling livestock and stray livestock
Division 4 Travelling livestock and stray livestock on or near properties
Livestock Act 2008 18
(b) is reckless in relation to the circumstance that the livestock are
unattended.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
Division 4 Travelling livestock and stray livestock on or near
properties
25 Owner of property may examine travelling livestock
(1) This section applies if the owner of a property through which, or
along the boundary of which, travelling livestock are being driven on
the hoof reasonably believes it is necessary or desirable to examine
the livestock to prevent the spread of a disease.
(2) The owner of the property may:
(a) tell the person in charge of the travelling livestock of the
owner's belief and the grounds for it; and
(b) request the person to do any of the following:
(i) allow the owner to inspect a waybill, health certificate,
permit or authorisation relating to the livestock;
(ii) allow the owner to examine the livestock;
(iii) assist the owner by mustering and controlling the
livestock for examination.
(3) The person in charge of the travelling livestock must comply with
the property owner's request under subsection (2)(b).
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
26 Notification of escape of travelling livestock
A person in charge of travelling livestock commits an offence if:
(a) any of the livestock escape from the person's control on or
onto a property; and
(b) the person does not, as soon as reasonably practicable, notify
the owner of the property and an inspector of the escape.
Fault element: Knowledge of the escape of the livestock.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
-- 26 of 84 --
Part 3 Travelling livestock and stray livestock
Division 4 Travelling livestock and stray livestock on or near properties
Livestock Act 2008 19
27 Owner may retrieve stray livestock from property
(1) The owner of livestock (the livestock owner) that are on a property
owned by someone else (the property owner) may retrieve the
livestock in accordance with this section.
(2) The livestock owner must make reasonable attempts to reach an
agreement with the property owner to retrieve the livestock.
(3) If, after making reasonable attempts under subsection (2), the
livestock owner and property owner have not reached an
agreement, the livestock owner may give the property owner written
notice that the livestock owner intends to:
(a) enter the property:
(i) at a place specified in the notice; and
(ii) at a time specified in the notice (which must be no earlier
than 14 days after the day on which notice is given); and
(b) muster the livestock specified in the notice; and
(c) leave the property (with or without the livestock):
(i) within 7 days after entering the property; and
(ii) at a place specified in the notice.
Note for subsection (3)
The livestock owner is required to comply with a biosecurity management plan
that applies to the property under Part 2A.
(4) If the property is on Aboriginal land, as defined in section 3(1) of the
Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth), a copy
of the notice must also be given to the Land Council established
under that Act for the area of the Territory in which the property is
located.
(5) The property owner may inspect the livestock before the livestock
leaves the property.
(6) A livestock owner must not enter or remain on a property to retrieve
livestock except in accordance with:
(a) an agreement with the property owner; or
(b) a notice given under subsection (3).
-- 27 of 84 --
Part 3 Travelling livestock and stray livestock
Division 5 Inspector's powers relating to travelling livestock
Livestock Act 2008 20
(7) A person commits an offence if the person contravenes
subsection (6).
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(8) An offence against subsection (7) is an offence of strict liability.
(9) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (7) if the defendant has a reasonable excuse.
Division 5 Inspector's powers relating to travelling livestock
28 Powers
(1) For this Act, an inspector may do any of the following:
(a) order a person who is accompanying travelling livestock to
state the name of the person who is in charge of the livestock;
(b) order the person in charge of travelling livestock to do any of
the following:
(i) provide the name and address of the owner of the
livestock or the agent of the owner, or both;
(ii) state the place from which the livestock have travelled;
(iii) state the place to which the livestock are being
delivered;
(iv) give other information concerning the livestock that the
inspector requires;
(v) produce a completed waybill for the livestock;
(vi) drive or transport the livestock to a place specified by the
inspector and hold them at that place for the period the
inspector specifies;
(vii) move the livestock to a place where the livestock may
lawfully continue travelling if the inspector reasonably
believes they are at a place in contravention of this Act;
(viii) clean up and destroy any litter or refuse left by the
person or any other person accompanying the livestock;
(ix) repair to the satisfaction of the inspector any damage to
installations or equipment on a stock route caused by
the livestock, the person in charge or any other person
accompanying the livestock;
-- 28 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 1 Preliminary matters
Livestock Act 2008 21
(x) destroy or dispose of carcasses of any of the livestock;
(xi) destroy livestock the inspector reasonably believes are
injured.
(2) A person given an order under subsection (1) must not contravene
the order.
Fault element: Strict liability offence.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (2) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
Part 4 Disease control
Division 1 Preliminary matters
29 Infected livestock and other things
Livestock, premises, animal products or other things are infected if
they:
(a) are suffering from or affected by a notifiable disease; or
(b) have been in contact with anything that, at the time of contact,
was suffering from or affected by a notifiable disease; or
(c) react to a test, approved by the Chief Inspector by Gazette
notice, for a notifiable disease.
30 Declaration and classification of notifiable diseases
(1) The Chief Executive Officer may, by Gazette notice, declare a
disease or animal pathogen to be a notifiable disease and classify it
as an emergency disease, endemic disease or exotic disease.
(2) A notifiable disease is a disease or animal pathogen that poses a
threat to the livestock industry.
(3) An emergency disease is a disease specified as such under an
agreement between the State and Territory Governments.
(4) An endemic disease is a notifiable disease endemic to Australia.
(5) An exotic disease is a notifiable disease originating outside
Australia.
-- 29 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 2 General powers for investigation and protection
Livestock Act 2008 22
31 Publication of list of notifiable diseases
(1) The Chief Inspector must publish on the Agency's website a list of
all notifiable diseases and their classifications as emergency
diseases, endemic diseases or exotic diseases.
(2) The Chief Inspector must make hard copies of the list of notifiable
diseases available to the public free of charge.
32 Approval of laboratories and tests
(1) The owner of a diagnostic laboratory may apply in writing to the
Chief Inspector to approve the laboratory for the testing of samples
or specimens taken from livestock or animal products to determine
whether they are infected.
(2) The Chief Inspector may approve the laboratory by Gazette notice.
(3) The Chief Inspector may, by Gazette notice, approve tests for the
detection of an emergency disease that may be used in a
laboratory approved under subsection (1).
(4) In this section:
diagnostic laboratory means premises used for any of the
following purposes:
(a) the manufacture of biological preparations;
(b) the pathological examination of sick or infected livestock, or
livestock suspected of being infected, or animal products;
(c) the examination of livestock for internal or external parasites;
(d) the analysis of toxic substances that may affect livestock;
(e) the testing or use of animal pathogens or biological
preparations;
(f) the testing of specimens from livestock or animal products, or
the storage or processing of such specimens.
Division 2 General powers for investigation and protection
33 Inspectors may investigate and destroy
(1) An inspector may do any of the following:
(a) search for, trap and destroy vectors of disease;
-- 30 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 2 General powers for investigation and protection
Livestock Act 2008 23
(b) investigate the following:
(i) the cause of a disease in livestock or other things;
(ii) whether or not livestock or other things are infected;
(iii) a source that is likely to cause or to have caused
livestock or other things to be infected;
(c) inspect or examine a thing or place for the presence of a
disease or animal pathogen.
(2) An inspector may take a sample of a carcass, tissue of livestock or
any other thing to be tested for the presence of a disease, biological
preparation, chemical or veterinary drug.
(3) In exercising a power under this section, an inspector may destroy
an animal or animal product only if:
(a) it is necessary to do so to enable a proper diagnosis or
investigation to be made; and
(b) the Chief Inspector or owner of the animal or animal product
consents to its destruction.
34 Inspectors may mark or treat livestock and other things
(1) An inspector who reasonably suspects livestock are infected, may
do any of the following:
(a) mark the livestock in a way approved by the Chief Inspector or
order the owner of the livestock to do so;
(b) treat the livestock or order the owner of the livestock to do so.
(2) An inspector who reasonably suspects any other animal or an
animal product is infected, may treat the animal or animal product
or order the owner of the animal or animal product to do so.
(3) An inspector may vaccinate livestock or any other animals against a
disease or order the owner of the livestock or animals to do so.
35 Inspector may order destruction of carcasses
If an inspector considers it necessary to prevent the spread of a
disease, the inspector may order the owner of livestock that have
died or been destroyed to destroy the carcasses of the livestock in
a specified manner.
-- 31 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 2 General powers for investigation and protection
Livestock Act 2008 24
36 Chief Inspector may order erection or maintenance of facilities
The Chief Inspector may order the owner of livestock to erect or
maintain any of the following in accordance with the specifications
of the Chief Inspector:
(a) facilities for testing livestock for a disease;
(b) a fence to contain livestock for testing for a disease.
37 Chief Inspector may order general protection measures
The Chief Inspector may order the owner of livestock to protect, in a
specified manner, livestock or any other thing from the risk of
infection.
38 Chief inspector may order detention
The Chief Inspector may order the owner of livestock to detain and
hold any of the following:
(a) infected livestock or livestock the Chief Inspector reasonably
suspects are infected or may have come into contact with a
biological preparation or animal pathogen;
(b) an animal product from infected livestock or from livestock the
Chief Inspector reasonably suspects are infected or may have
come into contact with a biological preparation or animal
pathogen;
(c) things used in connection with anything mentioned in
paragraph (a) or (b);
(d) fodder that may have come into contact with anything
mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c);
(e) animals other than livestock that may have come into contact
with anything mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d).
39 Chief Inspector may seize and order destruction or removal
(1) The Chief Inspector may seize any of the following:
(a) anything mentioned in section 38(a) to (e), regardless of
whether it is being held by the owner of livestock;
(b) animal pathogens;
(c) biological preparations.
-- 32 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 3 Quarantine orders
Livestock Act 2008 25
(2) The Chief Inspector may order the owner of livestock to destroy an
animal pathogen or biological preparation or remove it from a
property and take it to a place specified in the order.
40 Order for destruction or disposal to minimise risk of disease
In addition to specific powers of destruction or disposal under this
Act, the Chief Inspector may order the destruction or disposal of
anything (including livestock) seized under this Act if:
(a) the Chief Inspector reasonably believes the action will assist in
minimising the risk of a disease spreading; and
(b) the Chief Executive Officer approves the order.
41 Offence to contravene order
A person given an order under this Division must not contravene
the order.
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
Division 3 Quarantine orders
42 Quarantine order: suspected presence of disease in thing
(including livestock)
(1) The Chief Inspector may make any of the following orders if the
inspector reasonably suspects the presence of a disease in any
thing (including livestock):
(a) the owner of the thing must keep the thing contained within a
specified area;
(b) the owner of the thing must move the thing to a specified
place and keep it there in accordance with the conditions
specified in the order.
(2) An order under subsection (1) may make provision for the thing to
be released from the area or place in which it is kept in accordance
with:
(a) a condition specified in the order; or
(b) the written permission of the Chief Inspector.
-- 33 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 3 Quarantine orders
Livestock Act 2008 26
(3) An order under subsection (1) may include a requirement that the
owner of the thing must establish, repair or maintain a fence to
ensure compliance with the order.
43 Quarantine order: suspected presence of disease on property
(1) The Chief Inspector may make any of the following orders if the
Chief Inspector reasonably suspects the presence of a disease on
a property:
(a) the owner of the property must not allow any thing (including
livestock) specified in the order to enter or leave the property;
(b) the owner of the property must not allow any thing (including
livestock) specified in the order to enter or leave the property
except in accordance with:
(i) a condition specified in the order; or
(ii) the written permission of the Chief Inspector.
(2) An order under subsection (1) may include a requirement that the
owner of the property must establish, repair or maintain a fence to
ensure compliance with the order.
43A Quarantine order: suspected presence of disease on area of
land
If the Chief Inspector reasonably suspects the presence of a
disease on an area of land, the Chief Inspector may make any of
the following orders:
(a) a person or vehicle must not enter, leave or move within the
area except in accordance with:
(i) a condition specified in the order; or
(ii) the written permission of the Chief Inspector;
(b) the owner of livestock, an animal or other specified thing must
ensure the livestock, animal or thing does not enter, leave or
move within the area except in accordance with the conditions
specified in the order.
44 Period of quarantine order
(1) A quarantine order remains in force for the period specified in the
order, which must not be more than 40 days.
-- 34 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 4 Classification of properties
Livestock Act 2008 27
(2) An inspector may revoke a quarantine order before the end of the
specified period if the inspector is satisfied it is appropriate to do so.
45 Offence to contravene quarantine order
A person given a quarantine order must not contravene the order.
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units or imprisonment for
2 years.
Division 4 Classification of properties
46 Determination of classifications for properties
(1) The Chief Inspector may, by Gazette notice, determine the
classifications that may be given to properties in relation to a
notifiable disease specified in the notice (a determination of
classifications).
(2) A determination of classifications must specify the criteria or
circumstances that must apply in relation to a property before it may
be given a classification.
47 Classification of property
(1) If the Chief Inspector reasonably believes that any of the criteria or
circumstances specified in a determination of classifications apply
in relation to a property, the Chief Inspector may give the property a
classification by reference to the determination.
(1A) The Chief Inspector must revoke a classification under
subsection (1) if the criteria or circumstances on which the
classification is based no longer apply to the property.
(2) The Chief Inspector must give the owner of a classified property
written notice of the classification or revocation of classification.
48 Restrictions and requirements for classified property
(1) For the control of a notifiable disease specified in a determination of
classifications, the Chief Inspector may give the owner of a property
classified by reference to the determination a notice specifying the
restrictions or requirements applicable to:
(a) the classified property; and
(b) the persons, vehicles, livestock, animals, animal products or
other things specified in the notice.
-- 35 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 5 Disease control programs
Livestock Act 2008 28
(2) The notice may include (but is not limited to) the following:
(a) restrictions relating to entry into, exit from, or movement within
the classified property;
(b) requirements relating to the treatment of the specified
livestock.
(3) The owner of the classified property must not contravene the
notice.
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
Division 5 Disease control programs
49 Object of Division
The object of this Division is to permit a variety of actions to be
taken to control a disease, particularly for the testing, treatment or
destruction of infected livestock and other things, if:
(a) the disease is present in the Territory; or
(b) there is a serious threat of the occurrence of the disease in the
Territory.
50 Establishment of control program
(1) The Minister may, by Gazette notice, establish a disease control
program for the control of a disease specified in the notice.
(2) The notice must include the following information:
(a) if the specified disease is a notifiable disease – its
classification as an emergency disease, endemic disease or
exotic disease;
(b) the livestock, including travelling livestock, to which the control
program applies (controlled livestock);
(c) the area to which the control program applies (the program
area).
(3) For subsection (2)(c), the program area for a control program may
be one or more areas of the Territory or the whole of the Territory.
-- 36 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 5 Disease control programs
Livestock Act 2008 29
51 Requirement for particular test
(1) The Minister may require a particular test to be used to determine
whether controlled livestock are infected with a disease to which the
control program relates.
(2) The requirement may be included in the notice establishing the
control program or published in a Gazette notice at any time during
the control program.
52 Approvals
For a control program, the Chief Inspector may approve any of the
following:
(a) methods for locating and assembling livestock in the program
area;
(b) treatments to be used on controlled livestock or things, places
and structures in the program area;
(c) methods of disposal or destruction of livestock or other things
in the program area.
53 Orders
(1) For a control program, the Chief Inspector may make any of the
following orders:
(a) the owner of controlled livestock must take any of the following
actions:
(i) locate and assemble the controlled livestock for testing,
inspection, treatment or valuation;
(ii) mark, brand or affix tags to the controlled livestock for
their identification;
(iii) erect or maintain facilities to be used for testing the
controlled livestock;
(iv) test the controlled livestock using a test specified in a
notice under section 51;
(v) treat the controlled livestock;
(vi) erect, repair or maintain fences or structures to ensure
the controlled livestock are contained;
(vii) move or restrict the movement of the controlled
livestock;
-- 37 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 5 Disease control programs
Livestock Act 2008 30
(viii) move the controlled livestock to an abattoir for slaughter;
(ix) destroy the controlled livestock;
(x) any other action specified in the order that is reasonably
required to implement the control program;
(b) the owner of livestock in the program area that are not
controlled livestock must treat or destroy livestock specified in
the order to protect the health and welfare of other livestock;
(c) the owner of a property on which controlled livestock are kept,
or have been kept, must treat the land and any structure or
equipment on the property;
(d) the owner of a property in the program area must erect, repair
or maintain fences;
(e) the owner of a structure or place with which controlled
livestock have been in contact must treat the structure or
place and any equipment in or on the structure or at the place;
(f) the owner of fodder, equipment or an animal product in the
program area must treat or destroy it;
(g) the owner of any other thing in the program area that may be
affected by the notifiable disease must treat or destroy it.
Example for subsection (1)(b)
An order may be that certain livestock be destroyed because of overcrowding
resulting from actions taken under the control program.
(2) Instead of ordering a person to take an action under subsection (1),
the Chief Inspector may take the action.
(3) The Chief Inspector may, by Gazette notice and a notice published
in a newspaper circulating in the program area, give an order
mentioned in subsection (1) to a class of owners.
(4) A person given an order under this section must not contravene the
order.
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
-- 38 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 5 Disease control programs
Livestock Act 2008 31
53A Actions in relation to unowned livestock
For a control program, the Chief Inspector may take any of the
following actions in the program area:
(a) locate and assemble unowned controlled livestock for testing,
inspection, treatment or valuation;
(b) mark unowned controlled livestock for their identification;
(c) test unowned controlled livestock using a test specified in a
notice under section 51;
(d) treat unowned controlled livestock;
(e) erect, repair or maintain fences or structures to ensure
unowned controlled livestock are contained;
(f) move or restrict the movement of unowned controlled
livestock;
(g) move unowned controlled livestock to an abattoir for
slaughter;
(h) destroy unowned controlled livestock;
(i) destroy unowned livestock that are not controlled livestock to
protect the health and welfare of other livestock.
Example for paragraph (i)
An order may be that certain livestock be destroyed because of overcrowding
resulting from actions taken under the control program.
54 Emergency disease: treatment or destruction of certain
structures
(1) The Chief Executive Officer may make an order under this section if
the following circumstances apply:
(a) a control program is established to control an emergency
disease;
(b) the Chief Executive Officer is satisfied:
(i) a structure in the program area used as residential
premises (a residence) or mentioned in section 53(1)(c)
or (e) (a structure) is infected with the emergency
disease; and
(ii) making the order is necessary to prevent the spread of
the emergency disease.
-- 39 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 5 Disease control programs
Livestock Act 2008 32
(2) The Chief Executive Officer may make any of the following orders:
(a) the owner or another person must treat the residence in a
specified manner;
(b) if the residence has been treated and the Chief Executive
Officer is satisfied the treatment is inadequate to prevent the
spread of the emergency disease – the owner or another
person must destroy the residence;
(c) if the residence has not been treated and the Chief Executive
Officer is satisfied that treatment would be inadequate to
prevent the spread of the emergency disease – the owner or
another person must destroy the residence.
(3) The Chief Executive Officer may order the owner of a structure, or
another person, to destroy the structure if the Chief Executive
Officer is satisfied treatment of the structure under section 53(1)(e)
has been, or would be, inadequate to prevent the spread of the
emergency disease.
(4) If the Chief Executive Officer makes an order under subsection (3),
the Chief Executive Officer may also order the destruction of any
equipment in or on the structure.
55 Emergency disease: standstill zone declaration
(1) For a control program established to control an emergency disease,
the Minister may, by Gazette notice, declare the whole or part of the
program area to be a standstill zone if the Minister is satisfied:
(a) the emergency disease is or may be present in the area; or
(b) there is a real possibility the emergency disease may be
introduced into the area.
(2) The declaration of a standstill zone must:
(a) specify the emergency disease to which the declaration
applies; and
(b) describe the area of land to which the declaration applies; and
(c) state that while the declaration is in force, all movement into,
out of or within the standstill zone of livestock, other animals
or a thing specified in the declaration is prohibited except in
accordance with a standstill zone movement permit issued by
the Chief Inspector.
-- 40 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 5 Disease control programs
Livestock Act 2008 33
(3) The declaration of a standstill zone may apply in relation to the
movement of any of the following:
(a) the controlled livestock, any other livestock or all livestock;
(ab) other animals;
(b) a particular animal product or all animal products;
(c) any other thing or class of things.
(4) The Minister:
(a) may revoke the declaration of a standstill zone if the Minister
is satisfied it is appropriate to do so; and
(b) must revoke the declaration of a standstill zone if the Minister
is satisfied the emergency disease is not present in, and is not
likely to be introduced into, the standstill zone.
56 Standstill zone movement permit
(1) The Chief Inspector may regulate the movement of anything to
which a declaration of a standstill zone applies by issuing a
standstill zone movement permit to the owner of the thing,
specifying the movement that is permitted.
(2) A standstill zone movement permit applies in relation to the
movement of the thing specified in the permit to the exclusion of
any provision of this Act, or any order or authorisation, that is
inconsistent with the movement permit.
(3) A person must not move livestock, another animal or a thing
specified under section 55(2)(c) if no standstill zone movement
permit has been issued for the movement.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) intentionally moves the livestock, animal or thing; and
(b) is reckless in relation to whether a standstill zone movement
permit has been issued for the movement.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
-- 41 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 6 Declared areas
Livestock Act 2008 34
(4) A person must not contravene a standstill zone movement permit.
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
57 Reimbursement of expenses
If expenses are incurred by the Chief Inspector or Chief Executive
Officer in the exercise of a power under this Division in relation to
livestock, a structure (including a residence) or thing, the owner of
the livestock, structure or thing must reimburse the expenses to the
Territory unless the Minister directs otherwise.
Note
The owner may be entitled to compensation under Part 5 or section 138.
Division 6 Declared areas
58 Declaration
(1) For the control of a notifiable disease, the Minister may declare the
Territory or a specified area of land in the Territory to be:
(a) a control area; or
(b) a restricted area; or
(c) any other type of area or zone (except a standstill zone)
named in the declaration.
(2) The declaration must be by Gazette notice and state whether the
notifiable disease is classified as an emergency disease, endemic
disease or exotic disease.
59 Restriction of movement
(1) The Chief Inspector may, by Gazette notice, restrict the movement
of persons, vehicles, livestock, other animals, animal products or
other things entering, leaving or within a declared area.
(2) The notice may also specify the circumstances in which a person is
required to apply to an inspector for a declared area movement
permit before entering, leaving or moving within the declared area.
(3) A person must not contravene:
(a) a restriction or requirement specified in a notice under
subsection (1); or
-- 42 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 6 Declared areas
Livestock Act 2008 35
(b) a declared area movement permit issued by an inspector.
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
60 Dealing with unowned or stray livestock in declared area
The Chief Inspector may take any of the following actions in relation
to unowned or stray livestock in a declared area:
(a) locate, trap and assemble the livestock;
(b) test the livestock for the notifiable disease to which the
declaration relates;
(c) treat the livestock;
(d) destroy the livestock.
61 Offences relating to fences and gates
(1) A person must not, without authorisation from an inspector, destroy,
remove or damage a fence in or surrounding a declared area.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) intentionally destroys, removes or damages the fence; and
(b) is reckless in relation to the circumstance that the fence is in a
declared area.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
(2) A person commits an offence if:
(a) the person uses a gate in a fence that is preventing livestock
leaving a declared area; and
(b) the gate, immediately after the person has used it, is not
closed and securely fastened.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows the gate is in a fence preventing livestock leaving a
declared area; and
-- 43 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 7 Miscellaneous offences
Livestock Act 2008 36
(b) is reckless in relation to the circumstance that the gate is not
closed and securely fastened.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
Division 7 Miscellaneous offences
62 Emergency disease infection notice – owner
The owner of premises, livestock or other things commits an
offence if the owner:
(a) becomes aware or suspects that the premises, livestock or
things are infected with an emergency disease; and
(b) does not, within 24 hours after becoming aware of or forming
the suspicion about the infection, notify the Chief Inspector of
the awareness or suspicion and the grounds for it.
Fault element: Knowledge of grounds for the awareness of
or suspicion about the infection.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
63 Endemic or exotic disease infection notice – owner
The owner of premises, livestock or other things commits an
offence if the owner:
(a) becomes aware or suspects that the premises, livestock or
things are infected with an endemic disease or exotic disease;
and
(b) does not, as soon as practicable after becoming aware of or
forming the suspicion about the infection, notify the Chief
Inspector of the awareness or suspicion and the grounds for it.
Fault element: Knowledge of grounds for the awareness of
or suspicion about the infection.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
64 Notifiable disease infection notice – travelling livestock
A person in charge of travelling livestock commits an offence if the
person:
(a) becomes aware or suspects that any of the livestock are
infected with a notifiable disease; and
-- 44 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 7 Miscellaneous offences
Livestock Act 2008 37
(b) does not, as soon as practicable after becoming aware of or
forming the suspicion about the infection, notify the Chief
Inspector of the awareness or suspicion and the grounds for it.
Fault element: Knowledge of grounds for the awareness of
or suspicion about the infection.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
65 Notifiable disease infection notice – veterinarian
A registered veterinarian commits an offence if the veterinarian:
(a) becomes aware or suspects that livestock are infected with a
notifiable disease; and
(b) does not notify the Chief Inspector of the awareness of or
suspicion about the infection and the grounds for the
awareness or suspicion:
(i) in relation to an emergency disease – within 24 hours
after becoming aware of it or forming the suspicion about
it; or
(ii) in relation to an endemic disease or exotic disease – as
soon as practicable after becoming aware of it or forming
the suspicion about it.
Fault element: Knowledge of grounds for the awareness of
or suspicion about the infection.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
66 Contact with animal pathogen
(1) The owner of livestock must not, without authorisation from the
Chief Inspector, allow an animal pathogen to come into contact with
any of the livestock.
Fault element: Intentionally allowing the contact.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
(2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
-- 45 of 84 --
Part 4 Disease control
Division 7 Miscellaneous offences
Livestock Act 2008 38
67 Sale of infected livestock or animal products
A person must not, without authorisation from the Chief Inspector,
sell:
(a) infected livestock; or
(b) an animal product obtained from livestock that is, or before its
death was, infected.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) intentionally sells the livestock or animal product; and
(b) is reckless in relation to the infection.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units or imprisonment for
2 years.
68 Misleading statement about disease status
(1) A person commits an offence if the person:
(a) makes a statement to the following effect:
(i) livestock are free from all disease or a particular
disease;
(ii) livestock have or have not been on land that is affected
by disease;
(iii) the owner of livestock has stated or certified that the
livestock do not have any disease or a particular
disease;
(iv) livestock have or have not been treated for a disease;
and
(b) the statement is misleading.
Fault element: Intention to mislead.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units or imprisonment for
2 years.
(2) For this section, a statement is misleading if it is misleading in a
material particular or by omission of a material particular.
-- 46 of 84 --
Part 5 Compensation
Division 2 General entitlement to compensation and other money
Livestock Act 2008 39
Part 5 Compensation
Division 1 Preliminary matters
69 Destroyed livestock and destroyed things
(1) Destroyed livestock are:
(a) livestock destroyed, or moved to an abattoir for slaughter,
under section 53; or
(b) livestock certified by a person employed by a State or another
Territory as a veterinary officer (however described):
(i) as having died during the occurrence of an emergency
disease; and
(ii) as having been, at the time of their death, in a
quarantine area, control area or restricted area (however
described) in relation to the emergency disease or as
having been moved to an abattoir directly from such an
area.
(2) Destroyed things are animal products or other things destroyed or
made unfit for use under a control program relating to an
emergency disease.
Division 2 General entitlement to compensation and other
money
70 When compensation payable
(1) Subject to this Division, the owner of destroyed livestock or
destroyed things is entitled to be paid compensation for the
livestock or things, as determined under Division 3 or 4.
(2) An entitlement to be paid compensation does not affect an owner's
obligation under section 57 to reimburse expenses incurred by the
Chief Inspector or Chief Executive Officer in relation to destroyed
livestock or destroyed things.
-- 47 of 84 --
Part 5 Compensation
Division 2 General entitlement to compensation and other money
Livestock Act 2008 40
71 Approval of additional compensation
(1) If an amount of compensation is determined to be payable for
destroyed livestock infected with an emergency disease and the
cost of replacing the livestock will be more than the compensation
payable, the Minister may approve the payment of additional
compensation of an amount equal to the difference between:
(a) the amount of compensation payable; and
(b) the cost of replacing the destroyed livestock.
(2) For subsection (1)(b), the cost of replacing destroyed livestock does
not include freight and purchasing costs such as agent fees and
yard fees.
72 When compensation not payable
(1) The owner of destroyed livestock or destroyed things is not entitled
to be paid compensation for the livestock or things if:
(a) the Chief Inspector is satisfied:
(i) the destruction was necessary because of an act or
omission of the owner; and
(ii) the act or omission caused or contributed to, or was
likely to cause or contribute to, the spread of a notifiable
disease; and
(b) the owner is found guilty of an offence against this Act arising
from or in connection with the act or omission.
(2) A person is not entitled to be paid compensation for destroyed
livestock if:
(a) the livestock were destroyed or moved to an abattoir for
slaughter under a control program relating to a notifiable
disease; and
(b) the person is found guilty of an offence against section 62, 63,
or 64 in relation to the notifiable disease.
(3) A person is not entitled to be paid compensation for the following:
(a) loss of profit or production;
(b) loss as a result of a breach of a contract or another
consequential loss;
-- 48 of 84 --
Part 5 Compensation
Division 3 Compensation for particular destroyed livestock
Livestock Act 2008 41
(c) any other loss for which compensation is not expressly
provided under this Act.
73 Sale money to be paid to owner of slaughtered livestock
(1) If destroyed livestock are slaughtered at an abattoir, any money
payable on the sale of the livestock for slaughter must be paid to
the owner of the livestock.
(2) If compensation for the slaughtered livestock is paid to their owner,
the compensation must be reduced by any amount paid to the
owner on the sale of the livestock.
Division 3 Compensation for particular destroyed livestock
74 Application of Division
(1) This Division applies in relation to the following destroyed livestock:
(a) buffalo;
(b) livestock that reacted to a test under section 53(1)(a)(iv);
(c) unmustered livestock;
(d) livestock to which a declaration under subsection (2) applies.
(2) If the Minister considers it necessary, the Minister may, by Gazette
notice, declare that this Division applies in relation to particular
livestock destroyed under a control program for an emergency
disease.
Note for subsection (2)
The intention is that most determinations of compensation for livestock destroyed
under such a control program will be made under Division 4. However, it may be
necessary for the Minister to make this declaration in certain situations, for
example if there are insufficient people with the necessary qualifications to
constitute a valuation panel or if the Minister is satisfied the fees or commissions
payable to the members of a valuation panel are likely to exceed the amount of
compensation payable for the destroyed livestock.
75 Determination of amount of compensation
The amount of compensation payable for the destroyed livestock
must be determined by the Minister by Gazette notice.
-- 49 of 84 --
Part 5 Compensation
Division 4 Compensation for other destroyed livestock and destroyed things
Livestock Act 2008 42
76 Application for compensation
(1) The owner of the destroyed livestock may apply to the Chief
Inspector for compensation for the livestock:
(a) no later than 60 days after the date of destruction; and
(b) in the approved form.
(2) If the Chief Inspector is satisfied the applicant is entitled to be paid
compensation for the destroyed livestock, the Chief Inspector must
arrange for payment to the applicant.
(3) The Chief Inspector may decide:
(a) the applicant is not entitled to be paid compensation; or
(b) to defer consideration of the application during an
investigation or prosecution of the applicant in connection with
an offence mentioned in section 72.
Division 4 Compensation for other destroyed livestock and
destroyed things
77 Application of Division
This Division applies in relation to the following:
(a) destroyed livestock to which Division 3 does not apply;
(b) destroyed things.
78 Determination of amount of compensation
(1) The amount of compensation payable for the destroyed livestock
must be determined in accordance with this Division and the
regulations.
(2) The amount of compensation payable for a destroyed thing is the
market value of the thing immediately before it was destroyed or
rendered unfit for use, as determined in accordance with this
Division.
79 Application for compensation
(1) The owner of destroyed livestock or destroyed things may apply to
the Chief Inspector for compensation for the livestock or things:
(a) no later than 60 days after the date of destruction; and
-- 50 of 84 --
Part 5 Compensation
Division 4 Compensation for other destroyed livestock and destroyed things
Livestock Act 2008 43
(b) in the approved form.
(2) If the Chief Inspector is satisfied the applicant is entitled to be paid
compensation, the Chief Inspector must appoint a valuation panel
to determine the amount payable.
(3) The Chief Inspector may decide:
(a) the applicant is not entitled to be paid compensation; or
(b) to defer consideration of the application during an
investigation or prosecution of the applicant in connection with
an offence mentioned in section 72.
80 Appointment of and determination by valuation panel
(1) A valuation panel is constituted of the following members appointed
in writing by the Chief Inspector:
(a) a person who has valuation experience, and a knowledge of
current values, relevant to the destroyed livestock or
destroyed things to which the panel's determination relates;
(b) a person who has a knowledge of and experience in the
industry most relevant to the destroyed livestock or thing;
(c) a person nominated by the owner of the destroyed livestock or
destroyed things.
(2) The Chief Inspector must not appoint a person mentioned in
subsection (1)(a) or (b) if the person or the person's employer has a
pecuniary interest in relation to the destroyed livestock or destroyed
things.
(3) Subject to the regulations, the following matters must be
determined by agreement of all or a majority of the members of the
valuation panel:
(a) the procedure to be followed by the valuation panel;
(b) the amount of compensation payable.
(4) The valuation panel must give the Chief Inspector a written notice if
the panel is unable to reach a consensus or majority agreement.
(5) If the panel makes a determination of compensation, it must give
the Chief Inspector a written notice, in accordance with the
regulations, and the Chief Inspector must give a copy to the
applicant and Chief Executive Officer.
-- 51 of 84 --
Part 5 Compensation
Division 4 Compensation for other destroyed livestock and destroyed things
Livestock Act 2008 44
81 Determination by valuer if valuation panel cannot agree
(1) If the Chief Inspector is given a notice under section 80(4), the
Chief Inspector must appoint a valuer to make the determination of
compensation.
(2) The valuer must be a person who:
(a) has knowledge of and experience in the relevant industry and
is generally held in high regard by members of that industry;
and
(b) does not have, and whose employer does not have, a
pecuniary interest in relation to the destroyed livestock or
destroyed things.
(3) The valuer must give the Chief Inspector written notice of the
determination of compensation, in accordance with the regulations,
and the Chief Inspector must give a copy to the applicant and Chief
Executive Officer.
82 Request for review of determination
(1) The applicant or Chief Executive Officer may request a review of
the determination of compensation by the valuation panel or valuer
if the applicant or Chief Executive Officer considers the
determination was made otherwise than in accordance with this
Division or the regulations.
(2) The request must be in writing and given to the Chief Inspector no
later than 7 days after receipt of the notice of the determination.
83 Selection of valuation reviewer
(1) As soon as practicable after receiving a request for a review of a
determination of compensation, the Chief Inspector must consult
with the applicant to select a person to review the determination.
(2) If agreement about the person to be selected is reached within
7 days after consultation begins, the Chief Inspector must appoint
the selected person as the valuation reviewer.
(3) If agreement about the person to be selected is not reached within
7 days after consultation begins, the Chief Inspector must give the
request for a review to the Minister.
(4) As soon as practicable after receiving the request, the Minister
must select a person to be the valuation reviewer.
-- 52 of 84 --
Part 6 Administration and enforcement
Division 1 Registrar and registers
Livestock Act 2008 45
(5) The valuation reviewer must be a person who:
(a) has knowledge of and experience in the relevant industry; and
(b) has knowledge of current values relevant to the destroyed
livestock or destroyed things to which the determination
relates; and
(c) does not have, and whose employer does not have, a
pecuniary interest in relation to the destroyed livestock or
destroyed things.
84 Determination by valuation reviewer
(1) The valuation reviewer may make a determination of compensation
that confirms or varies the determination under review and must
give the Chief Inspector written notice of the valuation reviewer's
determination in accordance with the regulations.
(2) As soon as practicable after receiving the notice, the Chief
Inspector must inform the applicant and Chief Executive Officer of
the decision.
(3) Subject to section 138, the determination of compensation made by
the valuation reviewer is final and conclusive.
85 Payment of compensation
(1) If no request for a review is made under section 82 within the period
specified by the section, the Chief Inspector must, as soon as
practicable after the end of that period, arrange payment of the
compensation as determined by the valuation panel or valuer.
(2) As soon as practicable after giving notice to the applicant under
section 84(2), the Chief Inspector must arrange payment of the
compensation as determined by the valuation reviewer.
Part 6 Administration and enforcement
Division 1 Registrar and registers
86 Office of Registrar
(1) The Chief Executive Officer must, in writing, appoint a public sector
employee to the office of Registrar.
(2) A person must not hold office as Registrar at the same time as
holding office as Chief Inspector.
-- 53 of 84 --
Part 6 Administration and enforcement
Division 1 Registrar and registers
Livestock Act 2008 46
(3) The Registrar has the functions conferred on the Registrar under
this Act.
(4) The Registrar has the powers necessary or convenient for the
performance of the functions of office.
(5) In exercising a power or performing a function under this Act, the
Registrar is subject to the direction of the Chief Inspector.
(6) The Registrar may, in writing, delegate to a public sector employee
any of the Registrar's powers or functions under this Act.
87 Registers to be kept and information to be provided
(1) In addition to the registers the Registrar is required or permitted to
keep under this Act, the Registrar may keep the registers
necessary or convenient to be kept for the proper performance of
the Registrar's functions.
(2) Subject to the regulations, the Registrar may decide the appropriate
form and manner in which a register must be kept and the
information to be given to the Registrar in connection with an entry
in a register.
88 Inspections and copies of register and publication of
information
(1) A person may inspect a register during the normal business hours
of the Agency.
(2) The Registrar may give a person a copy or summary of a register or
part of a register and charge a reasonable fee for the copy or
summary.
(3) The regulations may specify the information in a register that may
be made public on the Internet or in another way.
89 Approval of documents and codes
(1) The Registrar may approve the form of notices, applications,
certificates and other documents in connection with a matter for
which the Registrar may perform a function under this Act.
(2) The Registrar may approve codes, as in force at a particular time or
as in force from time to time, to be used to illustrate or describe
earmarks.
-- 54 of 84 --
Part 6 Administration and enforcement
Division 2 Chief Inspector and inspectors
Livestock Act 2008 47
Division 2 Chief Inspector and inspectors
90 Appointment of Chief Inspector
(1) The Chief Executive Officer must, in writing, appoint a person to the
office of Chief Inspector of Livestock.
(2) The Chief Inspector of Livestock must be a public sector employee
who is a registered veterinarian.
(3) Notice of the appointment must be given in the Gazette.
91 Appointment of inspectors
(1) The Chief Inspector may, in writing, appoint a public sector
employee to the office of an inspector of livestock.
(2) A person appointed to the office of an inspector of livestock also
holds office as an inspector under the Meat Industries Act 1996.
(3) The Chief Inspector may, in writing, appoint another person to be
an inspector:
(a) for a specified period; and
(b) to perform specified functions.
(4) The Chief Inspector may, by Gazette notice, declare that any of the
following have the powers and functions of an inspector under this
Act, subject to any conditions or limitations specified in the notice:
(a) one or more specified police officers;
(b) all police officers.
(5) A power conferred under subsection (4) on a police officer is in
addition to, and does not limit, any other power the officer may have
under any other law of the Territory.
92 Identity cards
(1) The Chief Executive Officer must issue to a person appointed as
Chief Inspector or an inspector appointed under section 91(1) or (3)
an identity card specifying the person's name and office and
including a recent photograph and the signature of the person.
-- 55 of 84 --
Part 6 Administration and enforcement
Division 3 General powers and functions of inspectors
Livestock Act 2008 48
(2) A person must, on ceasing to be the Chief Inspector or an
inspector, return the identity card to the Chief Executive Officer.
Fault element: Strict liability offence.
Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (2) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
Division 3 General powers and functions of inspectors
93 Chief Inspector's powers and functions
(1) In addition to the powers and functions conferred on the Chief
Inspector under other provisions of this Act, the Chief Inspector
has:
(a) the function of administering this Act; and
(b) the functions conferred on the Chief Inspector under any other
Act; and
(c) the powers necessary or convenient for the performance of
those functions.
(2) The Chief Inspector also has the powers and functions of an
inspector.
(3) In exercising a power or performing a function under this or any
other Act, the Chief Inspector is subject to the direction of the
Minister.
(4) The Chief Inspector may, in writing, delegate to a public sector
employee any of the Chief Inspector's powers or functions under
this or any other Act.
94 Inspector's powers and functions
(1) In addition to the powers conferred on an inspector under other
provisions of this Act, an inspector has the powers necessary and
convenient for the performance of the inspector's functions under
this Act.
(2) In exercising a power or performing a function, the inspector is
subject to the direction of the Chief Inspector.
-- 56 of 84 --
Part 6 Administration and enforcement
Division 3 General powers and functions of inspectors
Livestock Act 2008 49
95 Chief Inspector may approve form of documents
The Chief Inspector may approve the form of notices, applications,
permits and other documents to be used under Part 4 or 5 or this
Part.
96 Chief Inspector may require information or documents
(1) The Chief Inspector may, by written notice, require a person to
answer questions, provide information or produce a document, as
specified in the notice, if the Chief Inspector considers the answer,
information or document is relevant to the administration or
enforcement of this Act.
(2) The person must not contravene the notice.
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
97 Chief Inspector may give orders about seized things
(1) The Chief Inspector may give the following orders:
(a) livestock seized under this Act must be sold by private sale or
public auction;
(b) any other thing seized under this Act must be confiscated,
destroyed or sold by private sale or public auction.
(2) A person given an order under subsection (1) must not contravene
the order.
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
98 Chief Inspector may restrict use of biological preparation and
drugs
(1) The Chief Inspector may, by Gazette notice directed to a class of
persons or an order given to the owner of livestock, restrict the use
of a biological preparation, chemical or veterinary drug in the
treatment of livestock.
(2) A person must not contravene a notice or order directed or given to
the person under subsection (1).
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
-- 57 of 84 --
Part 6 Administration and enforcement
Division 3 General powers and functions of inspectors
Livestock Act 2008 50
99 Inspector may authorise person to assist
An inspector may authorise a person to assist the inspector in the
exercise of a power or performance of a function under this Act.
100 Inspector may require name and address
(1) A inspector may require a person to state the person's name and
address if the inspector:
(a) reasonably suspects the person is committing an offence
against this Act; or
(b) finds the person in circumstances that lead, or has information
that leads, the inspector to reasonably suspect the person has
recently committed an offence against this Act.
(2) The inspector may require the person to provide evidence of the
person's name and address if the inspector reasonably doubts the
truth of the person's response.
(3) When requiring the person to state or provide evidence of the
person's name and address, the inspector must also issue a
warning that it is an offence to contravene the requirement without
a reasonable excuse.
(4) A person must not contravene a requirement under this section.
Fault element: Strict liability offence.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(5) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (4) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
101 Inspector may use reasonable force
If an inspector considers it necessary, the inspector may use
reasonable force:
(a) to prevent a person who is apparently contravening this Act
from continuing to do so; or
(b) to prevent a person who is apparently obstructing another
person from complying with this Act, or rendering assistance
to an inspector in accordance with this Act, from continuing to
do so.
-- 58 of 84 --
Part 6 Administration and enforcement
Division 4 Inspector's powers of entry, search and seizure
Livestock Act 2008 51
102 Inspector may place notices on land
An inspector may place notices in an approved form at any of the
following places:
(a) at or near the boundary of a property or other area of land to
which a declaration or restriction under this Act applies to
indicate the boundaries of, or any restriction relating to, the
property or area;
(b) at a border of the Territory to indicate the border;
(c) at any place considered appropriate to indicate the effect of an
order or other notice given under this Act;
(d) on or near a road to indicate that traffic along the road must
stop.
103 Inspector may muster livestock
An inspector may muster livestock or order the owner or person in
charge of the livestock to do so.
Division 4 Inspector's powers of entry, search and seizure
104 Entry of premises generally
(1) An inspector may do any of the following:
(a) enter any premises with the consent of the occupier or a
person apparently in charge of the premises;
(b) enter at any reasonable time, without consent, premises that
are not residential premises;
(c) enter residential premises under a warrant.
(2) An inspector may enter premises with the assistance that is
necessary and reasonable.
(3) An inspector who enters premises must not remain on the premises
if, when requested by the occupier or a person apparently in charge
of the premises, the inspector does not produce his or her identity
card.
(4) In order to enter a vehicle, an inspector may require the driver of
the vehicle to stop the vehicle, keep the vehicle stationary or move
the vehicle to a specified place.
-- 59 of 84 --
Part 6 Administration and enforcement
Division 4 Inspector's powers of entry, search and seizure
Livestock Act 2008 52
(5) The driver must not contravene the requirement.
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
105 Application for and issue of warrant
(1) An inspector may apply to a Local Court Judge for a warrant to
enter residential premises:
(a) by appearing in person before the Judge; or
(b) if it is not practicable to appear in person – by telephoning the
Judge.
(2) If the Judge is satisfied there are reasonable grounds to permit the
inspector to enter the residential premises, the Judge may issue a
warrant directed to the inspector.
(3) If the Judge issues a warrant on an application made by telephone:
(a) the Judge must complete and sign the warrant (the original
warrant), inform the inspector by telephone of its terms and
record on the original warrant the Judge's reasons for issuing
it; and
(b) the inspector must do the following:
(i) complete 2 copies of a form of warrant in the terms
provided by the Judge;
(ii) write on each copy the name of the Judge and the date
and time of issue of the original warrant;
(iii) forward 1 copy to the Judge.
(4) On receiving the copy, the Judge must:
(a) compare it with the original warrant; and
(b) if the copy is in substance identical to the original warrant, the
copy has the same authority as the original warrant.
106 Effect and term of warrant
(1) A warrant permits the inspector to whom it is directed, and any
person authorised under section 99 to assist the inspector, to do
the following:
(a) enter the residential premises specified in the warrant;
-- 60 of 84 --
Part 6 Administration and enforcement
Division 4 Inspector's powers of entry, search and seizure
Livestock Act 2008 53
(b) exercise any of the powers specified in sections 107 and 108.
(2) The warrant remains in force for 1 month from the date of issue.
107 Powers on entry of premises
(1) An inspector who enters premises in accordance with section 104
may do any of the following:
(a) inspect, examine and search the premises and inspect
anything found on the premises;
(b) open (including by breaking open) a container or package
found on the premises in order to inspect or examine the
contents;
(c) take photographs, films or audio, video or other recordings of
the premises or anything found on the premises;
(d) take copies of, or extracts from, a document found on the
premises;
(e) require a person on the premises to do any of the following:
(i) answer questions or provide information;
(ii) produce, within a reasonable time, documents kept on
the premises;
(iii) provide reasonable assistance to the inspector in the
exercise of a power under this section;
(f) subject to section 108, seize anything;
(g) if the inspector reasonably believes anything found on the
premises may be connected with an offence against this Act –
order the occupier or a person apparently in charge of the
premises not to remove the thing for the period of not more
than 14 days specified in the order;
(h) destroy or render harmless, or order the occupier or a person
apparently in charge of the premises to destroy or render
harmless, anything found in or on the premises that poses, or
is likely to pose, a threat to the health or safety of persons;
(i) order the owner of livestock to maintain or repair a fence for
containing livestock within an area.
-- 61 of 84 --
Part 6 Administration and enforcement
Division 4 Inspector's powers of entry, search and seizure
Livestock Act 2008 54
(2) An inspector may destroy an animal or animal products under
subsection (1)(h) only with the consent of the owner or the Chief
Inspector.
(3) A person must not contravene a requirement or order given under
this section.
Fault element: Strict liability offence.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (3) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
108 Powers of seizure following entry
An inspector who enters premises in accordance with section 104
may seize anything found on the premises if the inspector
reasonably believes the thing:
(a) is connected with an offence against this Act and the seizure
is necessary to prevent it being:
(i) concealed, lost, damaged or destroyed; or
(ii) used to commit the offence; or
(b) is connected with an offence against this Act and the seizure
is necessary to conduct tests for adducing evidence in a
prosecution for the offence.
109 Procedure generally following seizure
(1) This section applies in relation to anything seized by an inspector
under this Division or any other provision of this Act.
(2) After the inspector has seized the thing, the inspector must give a
receipt for it to any of the following persons:
(a) the occupier or person apparently in charge of the premises
where the thing was seized;
(b) the owner or person apparently in charge of the thing;
(c) the person the inspector reasonably believes was in
possession of the thing immediately before it was seized.
(3) After seizing the thing, the inspector may:
(a) take the thing to an appropriate place or order another person
to take the thing to a place specified by the inspector; or
-- 62 of 84 --
Part 6 Administration and enforcement
Division 4 Inspector's powers of entry, search and seizure
Livestock Act 2008 55
(b) give an order about the appropriate handling and storage of
the thing.
(4) A person must not, without the written consent of the Chief
Inspector:
(a) interfere with or dispose of anything seized under this Act; or
(b) remove anything seized under this Act from the place where it
was seized or subsequently taken.
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units.
110 Retention of things seized if connected with offence
(1) If anything is seized because it is connected with an offence against
this Act, it must be held by the inspector as evidence to be tendered
in a prosecution for the offence.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the Chief Inspector authorises the
release of the thing to its owner or the person who had possession
of it immediately before it was seized.
(3) If a prosecution for the offence is commenced within 12 months
after the seizure of the thing and the defendant is found guilty of the
offence, the court may make 1 of the following orders:
(a) the thing must be forfeited to the Territory;
(b) if the Chief Inspector has previously authorised the release of
the thing – the defendant must pay to the Territory an amount
equal to the market value (as determined by the court) of the
thing at the time it was seized.
(4) The Chief Inspector must release the thing to its owner or the
person who had possession of it immediately before it was seized if
1 of the following circumstances applies:
(a) a prosecution for an offence against this Act is not
commenced within 12 months after the seizure;
(b) a prosecution for an offence against this Act is commenced
within 12 months after the seizure and the defendant is not
found guilty of the offence or the court does not make an order
under subsection (3).
-- 63 of 84 --
Part 6 Administration and enforcement
Division 5 Orders, notices and authorisations
Livestock Act 2008 56
111 Seizure and destruction of wildlife requires approval
Despite any other provision of this Act, an inspector may seize or
destroy wildlife as defined in the Territory Parks and Wildlife
Conservation Act 1996 only with the approval of the Director of
Parks and Wildlife.
Division 5 Orders, notices and authorisations
112 Giving orders
(1) A written order given under this Act comes into effect:
(a) on the date specified in the order, which must not be earlier
than the date the order is given; or
(b) if no date is specified in the order – on the date the order is
given.
(2) If the person giving an order is satisfied urgent action is required,
the person may give the order orally.
(3) An order given orally has effect immediately and ceases to be of
effect 72 hours after it is given unless confirmed by a written order.
(4) An order may specify a reasonable time for compliance and may
include directions about the way in which an action required by the
order must be taken.
113 Action and recovery of expense if contravention of order
(1) If an inspector orders a person to take a specified action and the
person contravenes the order, an inspector may take the action.
(2) If the inspector incurs an expense in taking the action, the Territory
may, unless the Minister directs otherwise, recover the amount of
the expense as a debt from the person who contravened the order.
114 Authorisations
(1) A person may apply in writing or make an oral application for an
authorisation that may be given under this Act.
(2) If the Registrar, Chief Inspector or an inspector (the decision
maker) receives a written application for an authorisation, the
decision maker must give the authorisation, or refuse to do so, by
written notice to the applicant within 7 days after receiving the
application.
-- 64 of 84 --
Part 6 Administration and enforcement
Division 6 Miscellaneous matters
Livestock Act 2008 57
(3) If a decision maker receives an oral request for an authorisation,
the decision maker may give the authorisation or refusal orally and
confirm the decision by written notice within the next 24 hours.
115 Orders and notices may apply other documents
An order or notice given under this Act may apply, adopt or
incorporate (with or without changes) the whole or part of a
document as in force or existing at a particular time or from time to
time.
Division 6 Miscellaneous matters
116 Delegation by Minister or Chief Executive Officer
(1) The Minister may, in writing, delegate to a public sector employee
any of the Minister's powers or functions under this Act except the
power to give a direction under section 57 or 113(2).
(2) The Chief Executive Officer may, in writing, delegate to a public
sector employee any of the Chief Executive Officer's powers or
functions under this Act except the power:
(a) under section 40(b) to approve an order for destruction or
disposal made by the Chief Inspector; or
(b) to make an order under section 54.
(3) The Chief Executive Officer must not delegate to the Registrar,
Chief Inspector or an inspector the power to conduct a review.
117 Protection from liability
(1) A person is not civilly or criminally liable for an act done or omitted
to be done by the person in good faith in the exercise of a power or
performance of a function as any of the following:
(a) the Chief Executive Officer;
(b) the Registrar;
(c) the Chief Inspector;
(d) an inspector or a person authorised under section 99 to assist
an inspector.
Note for subsection (1)
This section has effect subject to Part VIIA of the Police Administration Act 1978
to the extent that it applies to the civil liability of a police officer who is exercising
the powers and functions of an inspector.
-- 65 of 84 --
Part 7 Review of decisions
Livestock Act 2008 58
(2) Subsection (1) does not affect any liability the Territory would, apart
from that subsection, have for the act or omission.
(3) In this section:
exercise, of a power, includes the purported exercise of the power.
performance, of a function, includes the purported performance of
the function.
Part 7 Review of decisions
118 No review of certain decisions relating to emergency disease
(1) A decision of the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Inspector made
for the control of an emergency disease:
(a) is final and conclusive; and
(b) must not be challenged, appealed against, reviewed, quashed
or called into question in any court or tribunal; and
(c) is not subject to prohibition, mandamus, injunction, declaration
or certiorari in any court or tribunal on any ground.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the making of a decision mentioned
in the subsection includes the following:
(a) giving an order or direction;
(b) issuing, varying or cancelling a standstill zone movement
permit;
(c) destroying livestock or other things;
(d) failing to make a decision or take an action;
(e) a review of a reviewable decision, made by an inspector,
relating to the control of an emergency disease.
119 Reviewable decisions of Registrar
Each of the following decisions of the Registrar is a reviewable
decision:
(a) a refusal under section 20(4) to authorise the movement of
prescribed travelling livestock without a waybill;
(b) a refusal under section 23 to authorise a slower speed of
travel on a stock route than is prescribed;
-- 66 of 84 --
Part 7 Review of decisions
Livestock Act 2008 59
(c) a decision prescribed by regulation.
120 Reviewable decisions of Chief Inspector
Each of the following decisions of the Chief Inspector is a
reviewable decision:
(a) a refusal under section 32 to approve a diagnostic laboratory;
(b) a refusal under section 66 to authorise a person to allow an
animal pathogen to come in contact with livestock;
(c) a refusal under section 67 to authorise a person to sell
infected livestock or an infected animal product;
(d) a decision under section 76(3) or 79(3):
(i) that a person is not entitled to be paid compensation; or
(ii) to defer consideration of an application for
compensation;
(e) a refusal under section 110(2) to authorise the release of a
thing held as evidence of an offence;
(f) a decision prescribed by regulation.
121 Reviewable decisions of inspectors
Each of the following decisions of an inspector is a reviewable
decision:
(a) a refusal under section 61 to authorise a person to perform an
act in relation to a fence that is otherwise prohibited by that
section;
(b) a refusal under section 129 to authorise a person to perform
an act in relation to a notice or sign that is otherwise prohibited
by that section;
(c) a decision prescribed by regulation.
122 Notice of reviewable decision
(1) A person who makes a reviewable decision must, unless another
provision of this Act provides otherwise, give a written notice of the
decision to the person (the recipient) who:
(a) made the application or request to which the decision relates;
or
-- 67 of 84 --
Part 7 Review of decisions
Livestock Act 2008 60
(b) is registered in relation to the matter to which the decision
relates.
(2) The notice must be given to the recipient within:
(a) the time specified by the Act or regulations; or
(b) if no time is specified – as soon as practicable after the
recipient made the application or request to which the decision
relates.
(3) The notice must specify:
(a) the reasons for the decision; and
(b) the matters mentioned in section 123; and
(c) any other matter this Act requires to be specified in relation to
the decision.
123 Application for internal review
(1) A person given notice of a reviewable decision may apply to the
Chief Executive Officer for an internal review of the decision.
(2) The application must be made:
(a) in the form approved by the Chief Executive Officer; and
(b) within 14 days after the date on which the person receives the
notice of the decision.
(3) The making of the application does not affect the operation of the
reviewable decision.
124 Internal review by Chief Executive Officer
(1) Within 14 days after an application under section 123(1) for internal
review is received, the Chief Executive Officer may decide:
(a) to confirm the reviewable decision; or
(b) to vary the reviewable decision; or
(c) to set aside the reviewable decision and substitute the Chief
Executive Officer's own decision.
(2) The Chief Executive Officer must give the applicant written notice of
the Chief Executive Officer's decision under subsection (1).
-- 68 of 84 --
Part 8 Miscellaneous offences and legal proceedings
Division 1 Miscellaneous offences
Livestock Act 2008 61
(3) The notice under subsection (2) must include a statement:
(a) of the Chief Executive Officer's reasons for the decision; and
(b) that the applicant has a right to apply to NTCAT under
section 125(3) for review of the decision.
125 Review by NTCAT
(1) NTCAT has jurisdiction to review a decision of the Chief Executive
Officer on an internal review under section 124 (an internal review
decision).
(2) An affected person, for an internal review decision, is the person
who made the application for internal review under section 123(1).
(3) An affected person for an internal review decision may apply to
NTCAT for review of the decision.
Note for section 125
The Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal Act 2014 sets out the
procedure for applying to NTCAT for review and other relevant matters in relation
to reviews.
Part 8 Miscellaneous offences and legal proceedings
Division 1 Miscellaneous offences
126 Misleading information and document
(1) A person must not give misleading information to a person who is
exercising powers or performing functions under this Act.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows the recipient of the information is acting in an official
capacity; and
(b) knows the information is misleading.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units or imprisonment for
1 year.
-- 69 of 84 --
Part 8 Miscellaneous offences and legal proceedings
Division 1 Miscellaneous offences
Livestock Act 2008 62
(2) A person must not give a document containing misleading
information to a person who is exercising powers or performing
functions under this Act.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows the recipient of the document is acting in an official
capacity; and
(b) knows the document contains misleading information.
Maximum penalty: 200 penalty units or imprisonment for
1 year.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if the person, when giving the
document:
(a) draws the misleading aspect of the document to the recipient's
attention; and
(b) to the extent to which the person can reasonably do so – gives
the recipient the information necessary to correct the
document.
(4) In this section:
misleading information means information that is misleading in a
material particular because it:
(a) does not include relevant information; or
(b) includes misinformation.
127 Impersonation
A person must not falsely represent, by words or conduct, that
the person, or someone else, is:
(a) an inspector; or
(b) a person lawfully assisting an inspector.
Fault element: Intention to deceive.
Maximum penalty: 400 penalty units or imprisonment for
2 years.
-- 70 of 84 --
Part 8 Miscellaneous offences and legal proceedings
Division 1 Miscellaneous offences
Livestock Act 2008 63
128 Obstruction and abusive language
(1) A person must not obstruct an inspector, or person assisting an
inspector, who is exercising powers or performing functions under
this Act.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) intentionally obstructs the inspector or person; and
(b) knows that the person who is obstructed is acting in an official
capacity.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for
6 months.
(2) A person must not use abusive, threatening or insulting language to
an inspector, or person assisting an inspector, who is exercising
powers or performing functions under this Act.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) intentionally uses abusive, threatening or insulting language;
and
(b) knows that the person to whom the language is used is acting
in an official capacity.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units or imprisonment for
6 months.
129 Interference with notice or sign
A person must not, without authorisation from an inspector, destroy,
remove, deface, damage or otherwise interfere with a notice or sign
placed on land under this Act.
Fault element: Strict liability offence.
Maximum penalty 100 penalty units.
-- 71 of 84 --
Part 8 Miscellaneous offences and legal proceedings
Division 2 Legal proceedings
Livestock Act 2008 64
Division 2 Legal proceedings
130 Prosecutions
(1) Proceedings for the prosecution of an offence against a provision of
this Act must not be started more than 3 years after the occurrence
of the alleged offence.
(2) A prosecution for an offence against this Act may be started only
with the written consent of the Chief Inspector.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a prosecution started by the
Attorney-General or Director of Public Prosecutions.
131 When thing connected with offence
For this Act, a thing is connected with an offence if any of the
following circumstances apply:
(a) the offence is committed with respect to the thing;
(b) the thing provides evidence of the commission of the offence;
(c) the thing is used or is intended to be used for committing the
offence.
132 Evidence in relation to brands and earmarks
(1) An extract from a register purporting to be signed by the Registrar
is evidence of the matters stated in the extract.
(2) A certificate purporting to be signed by the Registrar, stating a
brand or earmark has not been registered, is evidence of the fact.
(3) A registered brand or earmark on livestock or hides that are proved
not to be owned by the owner of the registered brand or earmark
(the brand owner) is evidence that the brand owner branded or
marked the livestock or hides knowing he or she did not own the
livestock at the time they were branded or marked.
133 Evidentiary certificate by Chief Inspector
A certificate purporting to be signed by the Chief Inspector, stating
a matter under this Act, is evidence of the matter.
-- 72 of 84 --
Part 8 Miscellaneous offences and legal proceedings
Division 2 Legal proceedings
Livestock Act 2008 65
134 Criminal liability of executive officer of body corporate –
evidential burden of proof on defence
(1) An executive officer of a body corporate commits an offence if the
body corporate commits an offence by contravening a declared
provision (a relevant offence).
Maximum penalty: The maximum penalty that may be imposed
on an individual for the relevant offence.
(2) An offence against subsection (1) is an offence of absolute liability.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant:
(a) was not in a position to influence the conduct of the body
corporate in relation to the contravention; or
(b) took reasonable steps to prevent the contravention; or
(c) did not know, and could not reasonably have been expected
to know, that the contravention would happen.
(4) In deciding whether the defendant took (or failed to take)
reasonable steps to prevent the contravention, a court must
consider the following:
(a) any action the defendant took directed towards ensuring the
following (to the extent the action is relevant to the
contravention):
(i) the body corporate arranged regular professional
assessments of the body corporate's compliance with
the declared provision;
(ii) the body corporate implemented any appropriate
recommendation arising from an assessment under
subparagraph (i);
(iii) the body corporate's employees, agents and contractors
had a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the
requirement to comply with the declared provision;
(b) any action the defendant took when the defendant became
aware that the contravention was, or could be, about to
happen.
(5) Subsection (4) does not limit the matters the court may consider.
(6) This section does not affect the liability of the body corporate.
-- 73 of 84 --
Part 8 Miscellaneous offences and legal proceedings
Division 2 Legal proceedings
Livestock Act 2008 66
(7) This section applies whether or not the body corporate is
prosecuted for, or found guilty of, the relevant offence.
(8) This section does not apply if the body corporate would have a
defence to a prosecution for the relevant offence.
(9) In this section:
declared provision means:
(a) section 41, 45, 48(3), 53(4), 56(3) or (4), 59(3), 64, 67 or
68(1); or
(b) a provision of the Regulations prescribed by regulation.
executive officer, of a body corporate, means a director or other
person who is concerned with, or takes part in, the management of
the body corporate.
135 Self-incrimination
(1) A person is not excused from answering a question, providing
information or producing a document, if required to so under this
Act, on the ground that the answer, information or document might
tend to incriminate the person or make the person liable to a
penalty.
(2) However, the answer, information or document is not admissible in
evidence against the person in a civil or criminal proceeding except
a proceeding for an offence in which the falsity or misleading nature
of the answer, information or document is relevant.
136 Continuing offences
(1) This section applies if a court has found a person guilty of an
offence against a provision of this Act.
(2) The court may, in addition to any penalty imposed for the offence,
impose a penalty not exceeding 10 penalty units for each day
during which the offence continues after the day on which the
offence is committed.
-- 74 of 84 --
Part 9 Miscellaneous matters
Livestock Act 2008 67
Part 9 Miscellaneous matters
137 Territory not required to provide water or fodder on stock
route
The Territory is not required by this Act or any other law in force in
the Territory to provide water or fodder for livestock travelling or
grazing on a stock route.
138 Acquisition on just terms
If the operation of this Act would, apart from this section, result in an
acquisition of property other than on just terms:
(a) the person is entitled to receive from the Territory the
compensation necessary to ensure the acquisition is on just
terms; and
(b) a court of competent jurisdiction may decide the amount of
compensation or make the orders it considers necessary to
ensure the acquisition is on just terms.
139 Regulations
(1) The Administrator may make regulations under this Act.
Note for subsection (1)
See section 65 of the Interpretation Act 1978.
(2) The regulations may provide for the following:
(a) systems or methods of identification of livestock or other
things;
(b) the registration of things associated with livestock;
(c) matters relating to waybills and health certificates;
(d) permits, authorisations or orders relating to matters under this
Act;
(e) information to be included in an approved form;
(f) the control of disease in livestock, including methods of testing
or treatment and the measures to be taken to decrease the
risk of disease;
(g) obligations and restrictions relating to the following:
(i) feeding fodder to livestock;
-- 75 of 84 --
Part 10 Repeals and transitional matters for Livestock Act 2008
Livestock Act 2008 68
(ii) the sale and supply of fodder, including the form and
content of labels and invoices;
(iii) the labelling of animal products and other things,
whether for the control of disease or provision of
information;
(h) standards relating to the following:
(i) the management of livestock;
(ii) the humane treatment and care of livestock;
(iii) the disposal or destruction of livestock;
(i) methods of destroying livestock, animal products and other
things;
(j) the enforcement of a code of practice by providing that a
contravention of the code is an offence against the regulations
or by other means;
(k) the verification of a matter by statutory declaration.
(3) The regulations may do any of the following:
(a) confer a discretion on the Minister, Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Inspector or Registrar;
(b) apply, adopt or incorporate (with or without changes) the
whole or part of a document as in force or existing at a
particular time or from time to time;
(ba) prescribe fees payable under this Act;
(c) prescribe a fine, not exceeding 200 penalty units, for an
offence against the regulations;
(d) provide for an offence against the regulations to be an offence
of strict or absolute liability.
Part 10 Repeals and transitional matters for Livestock
Act 2008
140 Definition
In this Part:
commencement day means the day on which this Act
commences.
-- 76 of 84 --
Part 10 Repeals and transitional matters for Livestock Act 2008
Livestock Act 2008 69
141 Repeals
The Acts specified in the Schedule are repealed.
142 Brands, certificates and registers
(1) A brand registered under the Brands Act 1928 immediately before
the commencement day is taken to be a 3-letter brand registered
under this Act.
(2) A distinctive brand registered under the Brands Act 1928
immediately before the commencement day is taken to be a symbol
brand registered under this Act.
(3) A certificate for a brand issued under the Brands Act 1928 has
effect as if issued under this Act.
(4) A register kept under the Brands Act 1928 immediately before the
commencement day continues in force under this Act.
143 Decisions relating to brands
(1) If an application under the Brands Act 1928 for the registration of a
brand or the transfer of a registered brand is not decided before the
commencement day, the Registrar must decide the application
under this Act.
(2) The Brands Act 1928, as in force immediately before the
commencement day, continues to apply in relation to the following
matters:
(a) a decision to cancel the registration of a brand notified under
section 22(2) of that Act less than 28 days before the
commencement day;
(b) an appeal under section 24 of that Act made within the period
specified by that section, regardless of whether the appeal is
instituted before or after the commencement day.
144 Property and livestock identification
(1) The register of property identifier codes kept under the Stock
Diseases Regulations 1956 immediately before the commencement
day continues as the register mentioned in section 15(2).
(2) An approved identification device, as defined in the Stock Diseases
Regulations 1956, in force immediately before the commencement
day, is taken to be an identification device approved under
section 16.
-- 77 of 84 --
Part 11 Transitional matters for Statute Law Amendment (Directors' Liability) Act 2015
Livestock Act 2008 70
145 Determination of compensation
If a person has applied for compensation under Part VA, Division 3
of the Stock Diseases Act 1956 and the application is not
determined before the commencement day, that Act continues to
apply in relation to the determination and any review of the
determination.
146 Waybills and interstate health certificates
This Act applies in relation to a waybill or interstate certificate
issued under the repealed Stock Routes and Travelling Stock
Act 1954 during the 12 months immediately before the
commencement day as if it were a waybill or health certificate
mentioned in this Act.
Part 11 Transitional matters for Statute Law
Amendment (Directors' Liability) Act 2015
147 Offences – before and after commencement
(1) Section 134, as inserted by the Statute Law Amendment (Directors'
Liability) Act 2015, (the new section) applies in relation to a
relevant offence committed by a body corporate after the
commencement of Part 2, Division 20 of that Act (the
commencement) only if:
(a) all the conduct constituting the relevant offence occurred after
the commencement; and
(b) all the conduct of the executive officer constituting the offence
against the new section occurred after the commencement.
(2) Section 134, as in force before the commencement:
(a) continues to apply in relation to offences committed by a body
corporate before the commencement; and
(b) applies in relation to relevant offences committed by a body
corporate after the commencement to which, as a result of
subsection (1), the new section does not apply.
-- 78 of 84 --
Part 12 Transitional matters for Livestock and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024
Livestock Act 2008 71
Part 12 Transitional matters for Livestock and Other
Legislation Amendment Act 2024
148 Definitions
In this Part:
amending Act means the Livestock and Other Legislation
Amendment Act 2024.
commencement means the commencement of section 28 of the
amending Act.
149 Applications and reviews of decisions made before
commencement
(1) Despite section 28 of the amending Act, section 124 (as in force
immediately before the commencement) continues to apply in
relation to an application to the Chief Executive Officer for review of
a reviewable decision that was made before the commencement.
(2) Despite section 28 of the amending Act, section 125 (as in force
immediately before the commencement) continues to apply in
relation to a decision of the Chief Executive Officer on a review
under section 124 that:
(a) was made by the Chief Executive Officer before the
commencement; and
(b) is made by the Chief Executive Officer after the
commencement on an application for review referred to in
subsection (1).
-- 79 of 84 --
Schedule Repealed Acts
Livestock Act 2008 72
Schedule Repealed Acts
section 141
Brands Ordinance 1928 Ordinance No. 2 of 1928
Brands Ordinance 1932 Ordinance No. 21 of 1932
Brands Ordinance 1934 Ordinance No. 6 of 1934
Brands Ordinance 1936 Ordinance No. 1 of 1936
Brands Ordinance 1954 Ordinance No. 18 of 1954
Brands Ordinance 1958 Ordinance No. 4 of 1958
Brands Ordinance 1960 Ordinance No. 4 of 1960
Brands Ordinance 1966 Ordinance No. 35 of 1966
Brands Ordinance 1967 Ordinance No. 37 of 1967
Brands Ordinance 1969 Ordinance No. 37 of 1969
Brands Ordinance 1974 Ordinance No. 87 of 1974
Brands Ordinance 1977 Ordinance No. 20 of 1977
Brands Amendment Act 1990 Act No. 1 of 1990
Brands Amendment Act (No. 2) 1990 Act No. 3 of 1990
Brands Amendment Act 1995 Act No. 52 of 1995
Brands Amendment Act 1996 Act No. 53 of 1996
Foot and Mouth Disease Compensation
Ordinance 1958
Ordinance No. 18 of 1958
Foot and Mouth Disease Compensation
Ordinance 1961
Ordinance No. 5 of 1962
Foot and Mouth Disease Compensation
Ordinance 1966
Ordinance No. 4 of 1966
Foot and Mouth Disease Compensation
Ordinance 1974
Ordinance No. 85 of 1974
-- 80 of 84 --
Schedule Repealed Acts
Livestock Act 2008 73
Exotic Diseases (Animals) Compensation
Act 1981
Act No. 86 of 1981
Exotic Diseases (Animals) Compensation
Amendment Act 1990
Act No. 6 of 1990
Stock (Control of Hormonal Growth
Promotants) Act 1993
Act No. 2 of 1993
Stock (Control of Hormonal Growth
Promotants) Amendment Act 1996
Act No. 52 of 1996
Stock Diseases Ordinance 1954 Ordinance No. 16 of 1954
Stock Diseases Ordinance 1955 Ordinance No. 23 of 1955
Stock Diseases Ordinance 1957 Ordinance No. 26 of 1957
Stock Diseases Ordinance 1959 Ordinance No. 23 of 1959
Stock Diseases Ordinance 1961 Ordinance No. 2 of 1962
Stock Diseases Ordinance 1962 Ordinance No. 40 of 1962
Stock Diseases Ordinance 1963 Ordinance No. 66 of 1963
Stock Diseases Ordinance 1968 Ordinance No. 63 of 1968
Stock Diseases Ordinance 1969 Ordinance No. 55 of 1969
Stock Diseases Amendment Act 1981 Act No. 51 of 1981
Stock Diseases Amendment Act (No. 3) 1981 Act No. 73 of 1981
Stock Diseases Amendment Act (No. 2) 1981 Act No. 90 of 1981
Stock Diseases Amendment Act 1983 Act No. 56 of 1983
Stock Diseases Amendment Act 1987 Act No. 39 of 1987
Stock Diseases Amendment Act 1988 Act No. 9 of 1988
Stock Disease Amendment Act (No. 2) 1988 Act No. 24 of 1988
Stock Diseases Amendment Act 1989 Act No. 80 of 1989
Stock Diseases Amendment Act 1990 Act No. 2 of 1990
Stock Diseases Amendment Act 1994 Act No. 33 of 1994
Stock Diseases Amendment Act 1996 Act No. 49 of 1996
-- 81 of 84 --
Schedule Repealed Acts
Livestock Act 2008 74
Stock Diseases Amendment Act 1999 Act No. 32 of 1999
Stock Diseases Amendment Act 2003 Act No. 10 of 2004
Stock Routes Ordinance 1954 Ordinance No. 5 of 1955
Stock Routes and Travelling Stock
Ordinance 1955
Ordinance No. 2 of 1956
Stock Routes and Travelling Stock
Ordinance 1957
Ordinance No. 13 of 1957
Stock Routes and Travelling Stock Ordinance
(No. 2) 1957
Ordinance No. 25 of 1957
Stock Routes and Travelling Stock
Ordinance 1960
Ordinance No. 9 of 1960
Stock Routes and Travelling Stock
Ordinance 1963
Ordinance No. 68 of 1963
Stock Routes and Travelling Stock
Ordinance 1969
Ordinance No. 48 of 1969
Stock Routes and Travelling Stock
Ordinance 1973
Ordinance No. 79 of 1973
Stock Routes and Travelling Stock Act 1980 Act No. 27 of 1980
Stock Routes and Travelling Stock Amendment
Act 1981
Act No. 49 of 1981
Stock Routes and Travelling Stock Amendment
Act 1982
Act No. 20 of 1982
Stock Routes and Travelling Stock Amendment
Act 1987
Act No. 40 of 1987
Stock Routes and Travelling Stock Amendment
Act 1990
Act No. 7 of 1990
Stock Routes and Travelling Stock Amendment
Act 1996
Act No. 6 of 1996
Stock Routes and Travelling Stock Amendment
Act (No. 2) 1996
Act No. 51 of 1996
-- 82 of 84 --
ENDNOTES
Livestock Act 2008 75
ENDNOTES
1 KEY
Key to abbreviations
amd = amended od = order
app = appendix om = omitted
bl = by-law pt = Part
ch = Chapter r = regulation/rule
cl = clause rem = remainder
div = Division renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired rep = repealed
f = forms s = section
Gaz = Gazette sch = Schedule
hdg = heading sdiv = Subdivision
ins = inserted SL = Subordinate Legislation
lt = long title sub = substituted
nc = not commenced
2 LIST OF LEGISLATION
Livestock Act 2008 (Act No. 36, 2008)
Assent date 8 December 2008
Commenced 1 September 2009 (Gaz G34, 26 August 2009, p 3)
Statute Law Revision Act 2009 (Act No. 25, 2009)
Assent date 1 September 2009
Commenced 16 September 2009 (Gaz G37, 16 September 2009, p 3)
Livestock Amendment Act 2014 (Act No. 30, 2014)
Assent date 18 September 2014
Commenced 18 September 2014
Statute Law Amendment (Directors' Liability) Act 2015 (Act No. 26, 2015)
Assent date 18 September 2015
Commenced 14 October 2015 (Gaz G41, 14 October 2015, p 3)
Local Court (Related Amendments) Act 2016 (Act No. 8, 2016)
Assent date 6 April 2016
Commenced 1 May 2016 (s 2, s 2 Local Court (Repeals and Related
Amendments) Act 2016 (Act No. 9, 2016) and Gaz S34,
29 April 2016)
Livestock and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Act No. 7, 2024)
Assent date 9 April 2024
Commenced 30 April 2024 (Gaz S33, 26 April 2024)
3 GENERAL AMENDMENTS
General amendments of a formal nature (which are not referred to in the table
of amendments to this reprint) are made by the Interpretation Legislation
Amendment Act 2018 (Act No. 22 of 2018) to: ss 1, 4, 91, 111, 142, 143, 144,
145 and 146.
-- 83 of 84 --
ENDNOTES
Livestock Act 2008 76
4 LIST OF AMENDMENTS
s 3 amd No. 7, 2024, s 4
s 4 amd No. 7, 2024, s 5
pt 2A hdg ins No. 7, 2024, s 6
ss 16A – 16H ins No. 7, 2024, s 6
s 27 sub No. 7, 2024, s 7
s 32 amd No. 7, 2024, s 8
s 38 amd No. 7, 2024, s 9
s 39 amd No. 7, 2024, s 10
ss 42 – 43 sub No. 7, 2024, s 11
s 43A ins No. 7, 2024, s 11
s 44 amd No. 7, 2024, s 12
s 47 amd No. 7, 2024, s 13
s 48 amd No. 7, 2024, s 14
s 50 amd No. 7, 2024, s 15
s 53 amd No. 7, 2024, s 16
s 53A ins No. 7, 2024, s 17
s 55 amd No. 7, 2024, s 18
s 56 amd No. 7, 2024, s 19
s 59 amd No. 7, 2024, s 20
s 60 sub No. 7, 2024, s 21
s 91 amd No. 7, 2024, s 22
s 92 amd No. 7, 2024, s 23
s 105 amd No. 8, 2016, s 45
s 117 amd No. 7, 2024, s 24
s 118 amd No. 7, 2024, s 25
s 120 amd No. 7, 2024, s 26
s 123 amd No. 7, 2024, s 27
s 124 sub No. 7, 2024, s 28
s 125 amd No. 8, 2016, s 45
sub No. 7, 2024, s 28
s 130 amd No. 25, 2009, s 10
s 134 sub No. 26, 2015, s 68
s 139 amd No. 30, 2014, s 3; No. 7, 2024, s 29
pt 11 hdg exp No. 36, 2009, s 157
ins No. 26, 2015, s 69
s 147 exp No. 36, 2009, s 157
ins No. 26, 2015, s 69
pt 12 hdg ins No. 7, 2024, s 30
ss 148 – 149 exp No. 36, 2009, s 157
ins No. 7, 2024, s 30
ss 150 – 157 exp No. 36, 2009, s 157
-- 84 of 84 --
Official source: https://legislation.nt.gov.au/en/Legislation/LIVESTOCK-ACT-2008