submissions sought

The Planning and Heritage Inquiry submissions are up and running and we are hoping you will be able to add something to this, and/or share with other residents.  Submissions are due by 31 Jan 22. Anyone who wants to contribute to the adequacy on the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the Victorian planning framework in relation to planning and heritage protection is welcome to make a contribution. Areas covered include population policy, state and local; housing costs, vegetation protection, height limits, Green Wedges, concerns about VCAT, protecting heritage.

Video inside with Ian Lowe talking on the impact of war on carbon gas production, and Peter Catt asking for people's views on the connection between war and refugees. The general public is invited to give their opinion in this democratic inquiry. The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) is a national network of community, peace and faith organisations, environment groups, trade unions and individuals concerned about the social, economic, environmental, military and political costs of Australia’s involvement in US-led wars. IPAN advocates an independent and peaceful Australian foreign policy. IPAN is conducting a broad People’s Inquiry examining the costs and consequences of Australia’s involvement in US led wars and the US alliance.

The Inquiry aims to give a voice to the community and increase public discussion on the social, economic, financial, environmental and political impacts. It seeks to inform and promote debate in the Australian community. The national Inquiry invites organisations and community members to make submissions on their views and concerns. We also invite submissions offering alternatives for the future. We are keen to develop a coherent and persuasive case for an independent and peaceful Australian foreign policy, and military and defence spending priorities. (See here for earlier information about the inquiry.)

The Inquiry deals with 8 key areas:

• Impact on First Nation Peoples

• Social and Community (Health, Education, Community & Welfare, Housing)

• Union and Workers’ Rights (Job security, workers’ rights, defence and sustainable industries)

• Environment and Climate Change

Military and Defence
Foreign Policy
Economic
Political, including Democratic Rights
For more information about the Inquiry, How to submit, Inquiry Background Paper, Terms of Refence please go to the People's Inquiry webpage: https://Independentpeacefulaustralia.com.au/

We are also offering you/your organisation a face-to-face or online presentation and discussion on the Inquiry and how to submit. If you are interested please feel free to contact us to arrange a time.

Submissions to the Inquiry will be reviewed by a panel of experts chaired by lawyer and investigative journalist, Kellie Tranter, and used to prepare a report on the impact to Australians, of the military alliance with the United States and involvement in wars of the past 70 years, from Korea to Afghanistan (where Australian personnel are still deployed). This report will be widely promoted and publicised in the community, the media, in parliament, amongst politicians and public figures.

With the escalating US-China tensions, the Inquiry report will share your views and suggestions for alternatives to our current predicament.

A submission can be one paragraph or up to 5,000 words. Please also pass this on to anyone whom you think may be interested.

We very much hope that you will be able to fit this important task into your busy schedule.

With best wishes,

IPAN-Victoria Representatives

On behalf of the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (POCTA) Regulations 2008 sunset on 15 December 2019. New regulations need to be made before this date.

Following a thorough review of existing regulations and extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders, the Victorian Government has developed the proposed POCTA Regulations 2019 and associated Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS). These documents are now available for public comment.

The POCTA Regulations 2019 aim to protect the welfare of animals in Victoria by supporting requirements set under Victoria’s primary piece of animal welfare legislation – the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

This is achieved by preventing, or minimising, harm through regulation of specific activities.

The RIS examines the costs and benefits of the proposed POCTA Regulations 2019 and considers possible alternatives.

New or amended regulations include:

· Animal transportation and tethering requirements

· Use of pain relief for mulesing

· Sale and use of wildlife safe fruit netting

· Sale and use of electronic devices

· Approvals and other processes related to the use of traps

· Operational and administrative processes for Rod Scientific Procedure record-keeping, the sourcing of animals, and training of Animal Ethics Committee members

· Fees

You are encouraged to contribute your views, expertise or ideas on the draft proposed regulations and options presented in the Regulatory Impact Statement. Consultation is open until midnight on Thursday 26 September 2019.

Copies of the RIS and the proposed regulations may be obtained from the Engage Victoria website at https://engage.vic.gov.au/prevention-cruelty-animals-draft-regulations-2019

The Engage Victoria website is the preferred method for receiving submissions.

Please note that all comments and submissions received will be treated as public documents.

Thank you and regards

Animal Welfare Victoria