(1)  The Secretary may appoint, by written instrument, one or more veterinary surgeons employed in the Department to be Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer.

(2)  A person may hold the office of Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer in conjunction with State Service employment.

(3)  A Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer may perform the functions of the Chief Veterinary Officer, including any functions that have been delegated to the Chief Veterinary Officer by the Secretary or Minister, on such terms and in such circumstances as may be specified in the instrument of appointment of the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer.

(4)  For the avoidance of doubt, a reference in this Act to the Chief Veterinary Officer in relation to a function includes a reference to a Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer if the Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer is authorised to perform the function.