Hi Mark, basically what the DPI in NSW wanted to do was to categorise anyone with birds, mammals and reptiles in NSW as a pet dealer if they bred anything. It meant that everyone who had a pet of any kind had to meet the requirements that those who run pet shops have to meet. And it was done without any consultation with those who would be affected by it. Just plain bloody stupid. If you had a couple of budgies, or a bluetongue or two, you were caught up in this bloody great net. The birdkeepers (in particular), and herpers joined forces and became very vocal, lobbying the Minister, local members and others with influence. The Minister, realising that there were over 30,000 bird and reptile keepers alone who were outraged at the lack of notice and the lack of consultation, decided it was too hot to handle and threw it back to DPI for a total rethink, done IN COLLABORATION with keepers. We suspect there is a personal agenda driving this stuff - the animal rights people have infiltrated these government departments and are pushing their own agendas. This will be an ongoing and increasing problem for us as time goes by...
Have a look on Facebook for the Herpetological Cooperative NSW (HCN) and you will see a whole new body of representatives from all the herp clubs in NSW, who got together because of this bullshit, and who will be advocating for keepers and an entirely different and more open working relationship with these hitherto secretive and bullying departments.
I believe paper books are now phased out (pity those who don't use electronic communications), but I will confirm that later. It seems that because of big changes coming to the regs in NSW, the transactions you mention have just ground to a halt. It's not good enough, and if I was you I would be contacting the director to seek satisfaction. If the people at desk level aren't doing their job, go higher. Good luck
Jamie