Licensing

How to Apply for a Registration

To obtain a registration to operate as a meat inspector, you will need to:

  • Have completed Certificate III in Meat Processing (Meat Safety) or equivalent.
  • Submit an application together with the fee of $10 and copies of all relevant qualifications.

Lodging your Application

How do I register as a PrimeSafe meat inspector?

  1. Fill out the application form in the PrimeSafe Licensee Portal by following the instructions in the How to use the Licensee Portal link below; or
  2. Download the application form, print, scan and email it to info@primesafe.vic.gov.au; or
  3. Fill in the form at the PrimeSafe office.

How do I renew my current meat inspector registration?

Meat inspector registrations are renewed every three years and by 30 June of that year.

Current meat inspector registrations are valid to 30 June 2024.

PrimeSafe will send you an application to renew your meat inspector registration six weeks before your registration expires. It is important to renew your registration to ensure that it remains current and you are not working as an unregistered meat inspector.

You will receive a certificate of registration as a meat inspector once your renewal application has been processed. A copy of the certificate of registration must be provided to your employer so that it can be included as part of the facility's quality assurance program.

How does PrimeSafe assess the currency of your work experience?

PrimeSafe, consistent with national requirements, will assess the currency of your work experience using the information provided on your renewal form.

Where it has been two or more years since you have worked as a meat inspector, PrimeSafe will contact you in writing to advise that your work experience is deemed "not current" and your renewal application will be returned.

Should you wish to re-apply for registration as a meat inspector, you will need to undergo further training. The name of the training course is 'Oversee plant compliance with the Australian Standards for meat processing'. This unit is part of the Certificate IV in Meat Processing (Meat Safety) course.

What is the Meat Inspector Agreement?

To operate as a meat inspection service in Victoria, PrimeSafe will enter into an agreement with you.

The terms of the agreement include:

  • Carrying out meat inspection services in accordance with the provisions of the Meat Industry Act 1993 and all relevant legislation, standards, regulations, codes, orders, notices, directions or quality assurance programs;
  • At all times acting independently and objectively in the provision of the inspection services to ensure compliance by all persons with the Act and all relevant legislation, standards, regulations, codes, orders, notices, directions or quality assurance programs;
  • Cooperating at all times and in all manner with all officers of PrimeSafe;
  • Providing the inspection services in a productive manner with all due regard to protection of public health and product quality;
  • Raising the issue with the licensee/operator and, if the issue is not satisfactory resolved, reporting the matter to PrimeSafe if the processing rate or the rate of inspection required at licensed facilities is unreasonable; and
  • Keeping and maintaining all records required by PrimeSafe.

Issue of Registration

A registration to operate as a meat inspector will be issued following confirmation that you have completed Certificate III in Meat Processing (Meat Safety) or equivalent.

You will receive a certificate of registration as a meat inspector. A copy of the certificate of registration must be provided to your employer so that it can be included as part of the facility's quality assurance program.

Meat inspectors are not permitted to work at a meat processing facility until the certificate of registration has been included in their quality assurance program.