The regulatory framework for wildlife protection

The Wildlife Act 1975 and associated regulations provide a framework for members of the community wishing to control, possess, display, breed, trade-in or interact with wildlife. They also provide the framework for the rescue and rehabilitation of
wildlife by authorised volunteers, wildlife shelters and foster carers. The Wildlife Regulations 2013 include an offence to damage, disturb or destroy wildlife habitat.

The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 provides a legislative basis for listing threatened species and communities. This Act is designed to protect, conserve, restore and enhance biodiversity.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 specifies the provisions for protection of all animals from cruelty and suffering. This Act is used to ensure the welfare of wildlife both in the wild and where
the wildlife is held in captivity or subject to human interference under a licence, permit or authority.

The Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 contains provisions to protect wildlife from timber harvesting in native forests through the Code of Practice for Timber Production 2014 (the Code) and its incorporated management standards and procedures.

The Code contain explicit requirements for
the protection of some species, and implicit requirements protecting habitat and the wider ecosystem through the application of mandatory actions such application of as the precautionary principle. The Conservation Regulator’s intent and actions regarding the Sustainable Forests (Timber) Act 2004 are detailed in the Regulating timber harvesting in State forests under the Allocation Order – Statement of Regulatory Intent.

Table 1 lists the Victorian and Federal legislation the Conservation Regulator has responsibility for and interest in for the purposes of wildlife regulation. For more detailed information on the regulatory framework that Conservation Regulator works under, see Annex 1, and the laws themselves at Victorian Legislation.