I ask the Hon Tony Kelly on behalf of Hon Steve Wann, Minister for Primary Industries and Minister for Rural Affairs, the following question without notice:
1.Is the Minister aware that the Walgett Country Women’s Association in Far West New South Wales is calling for a review into the power wielded by the officers of the RSPCA?
2.Is the Minister aware that RSPCA officers have been destroying farmers’ drought-affected livestock without any warning or advance notification?
3.Is the Minister aware that many rural NSW farmers feel that allowing RSPCA officers to continue coming onto their land unannounced, and without any consultation with them or the vets who have been caring for the animals, is allowing them a power which they are sometimes misusing?
4.Can the Minister please indicate what action will be taken to look into such claims?
REV HON DR GORDON MOYES AC MLC