1. Veterinarians Act 2005

2. Veterinary Council www.vetcouncil.org.nz www.vetcouncil.org.nz

3. Reasons for the act  To ensure that veterinarians are competent to practise. To enable this:  provide for a Veterinary Council of New Zealand with powers to: »register qualified veterinarians. »issue practising certificates to veterinarians and specialists. »set and implement standards for veterinary performance. »monitor performance and discipline veterinarians and certain other people.

4. Parts of the act 1.Preliminary provisions. 2.Registration & practicing certificates. 3.Discipline & competence. 4.Conditions of practice & appeals. 5.Veterinary Council. 6.Miscellaneous provisions.

5. Process of taking a complaint to the disputes tribunal (Vet Council):  Must be in writing.  Investigates and decides:  no further action.  medical or competence assessment required.  conditions or suspension may be imposed.  mediation.  disciplinary hearing. »Public hearing. »Legal advice allowed.

6. Tribunal or Commission of Inquiry  Is a special court or committee appointed to deal with a particular problem.  The complaints assessment committee of the Veterinary Council is appointed to investigate matter of Veterinary discipline.