Animal welfare
Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:29): (86) My question is for the Minister for Agriculture. Last week Humane Research Australia revealed through FOI that five macaques, which are small monkeys, have recently died unexpectedly at a breeding and research facility managed by Monash Animal Research Platform. Heart failure, chronic infections, anaesthesia errors and extreme bullying by other primates are some of the suspected causes. Macaques and humans share approximately 93 per cent of the same DNA, but their high level of intelligence has led only to exploitation. Despite claiming the highest standards of practice, this facility has only been audited once in the past decade. We only know about these horrific occurrences when dedicated advocacy groups request this hidden information. This investigation only highlights the inability for animal testing to occur without devastating consequences. What action will the minister take to investigate these monkey deaths?
Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:30): I thank Ms Purcell for her ongoing commitment in terms of animal welfare issues across this state. I think it is important to state that Victoria’s world-leading medical researchers take their animal welfare responsibilities very seriously. They are a very dedicated group of people that are doing nothing but wanting the best possible outcomes for Victorians. The relevant minister is the Minister for Medical Research in terms of the actual research, and that minister may be able to help you in terms of some questions.
But in terms of the animal welfare component, that is within my portfolio area. This is an issue that continues to be monitored, and of course it is a matter of making sure that we have the very best possible circumstances. I know that there were fairly recent amendments to POCTA, and they of course improved enforcement powers and provided for the establishment of the Animals in Research and Teaching Welfare Fund. So there have been some improvements. We also know that research is only permitted when it is crucial to improving the health and wellbeing of humans as well as animals or indeed the environment. What I can say to you, Ms Purcell, is that in terms of the matter that you have raised, I do know that Animal Welfare Victoria is actively investigating that particular case.
Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (12:32): Thank you, Minister, for your response. In 2020, 108 macaques and 63 marmosets were used for research in Victoria. In total, almost 600 primates were used for breeding and 66 deaths were reported. Can the minister advise which institutions are licensed to use primates for testing, breeding and research in Victoria?
Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Training and Skills, Minister for Higher Education, Minister for Agriculture) (12:33): I thank Ms Purcell for her supplementary question. It is a very detailed question that requires a detailed answer. I will endeavour to provide that information to you, Ms Purcell.