Equestrian Australia Hendra Update

First posted 30 July 2015

Equestrian Australia (EA) has lodged a notice with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in a bid to remove uncertainty surrounding the legality of organising committees requiring Hendra vaccination as a condition of entry to events.

The notice is in response to a request from affiliated clubs who wish to seek a definitive ruling from the ACCC after it had been suggested that imposing Hendra vaccination requirements as an event entry condition might be considered third line forcing (section 47 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010). 

“While Equestrian Australia does not currently have a national Hendra policy, EA does encourage event organising committees to complete a biosecurity risk self-assessment,” said Equestrian Australia Chairman Judy Fasher.

“Having undertaken such an assessment, some events have imposed Hendra vaccination requirements as a condition of entry.”

“EA’s lodgement of a notice to the ACCC will not make it compulsory for organising committees to enforce mandatory vaccination requirements, rather it will assure event organisers who seek to implement biosecurity practices appropriate to their event that they are operating within the law.”

“We have been prompted to lodge this notice after clubs personally contacted EA seeking clarification on the matter.” 

Ms Fasher also provided an update on the Hendra Review panel.

“The panel is looking at all available data as well as the concerns raised by members and clubs through the public submission period. It is anticipated that the panel will be in a position to present its findings to a meeting of the national board in the near future.

“EA will be reviewing its policies after receipt of the report from the panel and no action will be taken until further consultations and engagement with our shareholders and broader stakeholders occur.

“While EA’s Hendra By-Law remains revoked, individual horse owners are strongly urged to discuss vaccination with their vets to determine the best course of action for their situation. Owners are also encouraged to take notice of the recommendations from their appropriate state authority.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Equestrian Australia’s Hendra Policy/position?

A: Equestrian Australia’s Hendra Review remains revoked and a review is currently ongoing.

Q: When will Equestrian Australia release its future Hendra policy?

A: The review is ongoing and the panel conducting the review will be providing recommendations to the board in the near future. EA won’t be taking any further action until further consultations and engagement occurs with members.

Q: Why has Equestrian Australia made a lodgement with the ACCC? 

A: Some affiliated clubs have been told if they make Hendra vaccination a condition of entry to their event then it might be considered Third Line Forcing. Some clubs have contacted EA to seek clarification on this matter and we are submitting the lodgement after being contacted by the clubs for assistance.

Q: Will this lodgement have any effect on EA’s future policy?

A: No, it will assure event organisers who wish to implement a Hendra policy that they operating within the law.

Q: Will it make Hendra vaccination compulsory at EA events?

A: No. It will assure event organisers who seek to implement biosecurity practices appropriate to their event that they are operating within the law.

Q: What is Third Line Forcing?

A: You will find information on Third Line Forcing on the ACCC website - click here

Q: What is the purpose of this lodgement?

A: It will assure event organisers who wish to implement a Hendra policy that they operating within the law.

Q:  Why weren’t members consulted about the ACCC notification?

A:  Equestrian Australia made the lodgement with the ACCC after some affiliated clubs were told if they make Hendra vaccination a condition of entry to their event then it might be considered Third Line Forcing.

The notification with the ACCC does not enforce any policy but rather seeks to provide assurance to event organisers who wish to implement a Hendra policy that they operating within the law. 

We would expect that event organising committees would liaise with effected members should a Hendra vaccination condition of entry be implemented in the future.

Q: Is EA intending to make the notice public?

A: The notice is available on the ACCC website – click here.

For further information please email [email protected]