54(1)The Minister shall appoint a veterinarian who is an employee of the Department as Chief Veterinary Officer.

54(2)The Chief Veterinary Officer shall exercise the powers and perform the duties imposed on the Chief Veterinary Officer under this Act and the regulations.

54(3)The Chief Veterinary Officer may access any database or information system of the Minister for the purpose of exercising or performing his or her powers or duties.

54(4)The Chief Veterinary Officer may collect from and disclose to the Department the information, including personal information, prescribed by regulation relating to a lease holder, permit holder or licence holder.

54(5)The Chief Veterinary Officer may designate one or more persons to act on his or her behalf.