Surrender, suspension or cancellation of registration

Surrendering registration

A registration to use animals for scientific purposes in Queensland may be voluntarily surrendered if animals are no longer used and registration is no longer required. A registered person may surrender their registration by giving notice to the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF). The surrender takes effect on whichever day is the later - either the day the notice is given, or the day stated in the notice of surrender.

To provide notice of surrender, email Biosecurity Queensland at animalethics@daf.qld.gov.au.

Suspension or cancellation of registration

Under certain circumstances a registration may be suspended or cancelled. A registration may be cancelled or suspended by the DAF Director-General if any of the following circumstances occur:

  • registration was granted based on information provided to Biosecurity Queensland (orally or in writing) that was materially false or misleading
  • a registration condition has not been complied with
  • the prescribed fee has not been paid
  • for an individual: if a disqualifying event happens, if an individual becomes an undischarged bankrupt, or if an individual, as a debtor, takes advantage of any law about bankruptcy or insolvent debtors
  • for a corporation: if a disqualifying event happens to any of a corporation's executive officers or another corporation of which any of its executive officers is, or has been, an executive officer, or the corporation becomes insolvent under the Corporations Act, Section 95A
  • a disqualifying event happens to an animal ethics committee (AEC) member of the registrant's AEC
  • an AEC does not perform any of its functions under the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes (known as the scientific use code), or comply with the scientific use code to the extent that it is relevant to that committee.

A 'disqualifying event' is any of the following:

  • a conviction for an animal welfare offence under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.
  • one of the events listed above occurs
  • a similar authority, instrument, license permit or registration has been cancelled or suspended under the law of another state or the Commonwealth.

Appeals against decisions

Appeals can be made to the Director-General of DAF for a review of a decision. Appeals must be submitted on the approved form within 14 days of having received the decision. Further appeals can be made through the Magistrates Court.