Veterinary Practice Act 2026 · Updated to 1 Aug 2026 · Part 5 · Disciplinary Proceedings and Other Matters
66. Interim orders
Feedback & supportAn Interim Orders Committee must inquire into and decide on a disciplinary case against a registered veterinarian as soon as practicable after the disciplinary case is referred to it.
Interim Orders Committee
“Interim Orders Committee” means an Interim Orders Committee appointed by the Council under section 63;
Subject to subsection (4), if, after due inquiry into the disciplinary case, the Interim Orders Committee is satisfied that —
disciplinary case
“disciplinary case” means a complaint made against, or any information provided about, a registered veterinarian under Part 5, and, if an interim suspension order is made against the registered veterinarian in relation to the complaint or information, includes any contravention or suspected contravention of the interim suspension order or any term specified for the interim suspension order;
it is necessary for the protection of members of the public or is otherwise in the public interest;
it is in the interests of animal health or welfare; or
it is in the interests of the registered veterinarian,to suspend, or impose any condition or restriction on, the registered veterinarian’s registration, the Interim Orders Committee may —
make an interim suspension order providing that the registration is suspended for a period not exceeding 18 months as specified in the order; or
make an interim restriction order providing that the registration is conditional on his or her compliance, during any period not exceeding 18 months as specified in the order, with any condition or restriction specified in the order that the Interim Orders Committee thinks fit to impose.
The Registrar must, as soon as practicable, give written notice to the registered veterinarian and the complainant of the order made under subsection (2), and the order takes effect —
Registrar
“Registrar” means the Registrar of the Council appointed under section 14(1), and (except for section 4(2)(c) or 7(1)(j)) includes a Deputy Registrar appointed under section 14(2);
if the registered veterinarian was present or represented at the proceedings of the Interim Orders Committee — on the date the order is made; or
in any other case — on the date of service of the notice on the registered veterinarian.
An Interim Orders Committee must not make an order under subsection (2) after the relevant proceedings for the disciplinary case are concluded (as specified in section 71(2)).
If the Interim Orders Committee suspends the registration of the registered veterinarian under subsection (2)(d), the Interim Orders Committee may specify terms that the registered veterinarian must comply with under the suspension.
registered veterinarian
“registered veterinarian” means an individual who is registered under this Act as —(a)a veterinarian with full registration;(b)a veterinarian with restricted registration; or(c)a specialist;