Question – Multiple Cat Permits
Questions asked by the Hon Meg Webb MLC on 27 September 2022 and answered by the Minister for Primary Industries on 29 September 2022
In regards to the Cat Management Act 2009 and the issuing of multiple cat permits (MCPs), can the Government advise:
Question 1: What is the expected processing time for applications to be assessed, from the time of application to final decision?
Answer 1: As a general rule, the following time frames would apply: four to six weeks for initial assessment and issue of public notice; two weeks for display of notice; six weeks for consultation with relevant council; two weeks for final checks; four weeks for any site visits; plus any delays in the provision of evidence that may occur on a case-by-case basis.
Question 2: Why we are yet to see the issuing of any MCPs?
Answer 2: There are several reasons why multiple cat permits (MCPs) have yet to be issued. These include considerations such as: the process and systems have had to be developed and established; a considerable amount of time has been invested in liaison and communication with applicants and stakeholders on the process, and their abilities to meet the conditions of the permits; it takes applicants considerable time to collect and provide evidence of being able to meet the new requirements under the act, e.g., containment of cats to the property and the compulsory microchipping and desexing of all cats; and there has been a large volume of
applications.
Question 3: How many Provisional Multiple Cat Permits have been issued for
a) Individual applicants; and
b) Organizational applicants
Answer 3: The answers are as follows:
(a) there have been no individual MCPs granted to date, as applications are still being assessed;
(b) there have been no organisational MCPs granted to date, as applications are still being assessed
Question 4: To date, how many applicants have been required to publish a notice in accordance with section 16B(3) of the Act, advising of their intention to hold a MCP?
Answer 4: To date, 53 applicants have been required to publish a notice.
Question 5: In regards to any objections raised in response to the publication of a notice advising of the intention to hold a MCP under 16B(5) and (6) of the Act:
a) Who has standing to raise an objection to the issuing of an MCP?
b) On what basis or against what criteria would such objections be assessed?
Answer 5: A person who owns property, or resides within 200 metres of the boundary of the individual property to which the permit relates may make an objection under section 16B(5),
The criteria for assessment of objections include:
• an objection must come from a person who owns property, or resides within 200 metres of the boundary of the individual property to which the permit relates;
• an objection must be in writing;
• an objection must set out the reasons for the objection;
• an objection must be provided to the secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania within 14 days after a notice is published, or the general manager of a municipal council if the application is made to them;
• concerns about nuisance, e.g. containment to property;
• concerns about condition of housing for cats;
• any concerns raised by council;
• concerns in relation to animal welfare;
• potential convictions under relevant legislation;
• accuracy of information provided in an application; and
• ability to comply with conditions of permit.
Question 6: Are both individual and organisational MCP applicants expected to be subject to site inspections as a part of their assessment?
Answer 6: All organisation will be subject to site inspections as part of their assessment. Individuals will be subject to site visits on the basis of being identified as having a high risk of being unable to meet the conditions of the MCP.
Question 7: Who is responsible for undertaking the site visits required for MCPs, and how many have been completed to date?
Answer 7: If an application for MCP has been made to the secretary of NRETas, Biosecurity Tasmania is responsible for any site visits. If an application for an MCP has been made to the general manager of a municipal council the relevant council has the
responsibility for the site visit. No site visits have been undertaken by Biosecurity Tasmania to date.
Question 8: Are both individual and organisational MCP holders expected to be subject to random compliance checks?
Answer 8: Yes
Question 9: Who will be responsible for undertaking random compliance checks of MCP holders?
Answer 9: If an application for an MCP has been made to the secretary of NRETas, Biosecurity Tasmania is responsible for any compliance checks. If an application for an MCP has been made to the general manager of a municipal council the
council has the responsibility for the compliance checks.
See more of Meg’s Questions to Parliament.
