2006

The Legislative Assembly for the 
Australian Capital Territory

Domestic Animals (Validation of Fees) Bill 2006

Explanatory Statement

Circulated by authority of
 John Hargreaves MLA
Minister for Urban Services

OVERVIEW

Since 21 June 2001 a number of fee determinations made under the Domestic Animals Act 2000 have contained a technical defect relating to the charging of a fee for the sale of dogs from the pound.   This resulted in the government collecting approximately $80,000 from the sale of dogs without lawful authority.

The Domestic Animals (Validation of Fees) Bill 2006 validates these fees. As members of the public who purchased dogs from the pound received a dog in return for the payment of the fee it is considered appropriate to validate the fees, rather than refund them.

CLAUSES 1 AND 2: FORMAL CLAUSES 
Clauses 1 and 2 are formal clauses which:
•	state the name of the Act being created; and
•	provide for commencement of the Act.

CLAUSE 3: VALIDATION OF FEES
Clause 3 validates the fees charged for the sale of dogs from the pound for the period between 21 June 2001 and 8 February 2006 that were collected under determinations made under the Domestic Animals Act 2000.  Between 21 June 2001 and ending on 30 June 2003 the fee was $38.50 and between 1 July 2003 and ending on 8 February 2006 the fee was $45.00. 

CLAUSE 4: EXPIRY
Clause 4 provides for the expiry of the Act on the day after notification.