There’s a new Commonwealth Biosecurity Act

On 16 June 2016 the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources Biosecurity Act 2015 replaced the Quarantine Act 1908.

This is a comprehensive modernisation of Australian biosecurity legislation and work will continue over the coming years to fully implement the Biosecurity Act and to realise its full benefits.

There are no changes to the way existing import conditions take into account the animal and plant health status of different states and territories as a result of the Act coming into effect.

The Australian government and states and territories will continue to work together on ensuring regional differences supported by scientific evidence are reflected in Australia's import conditions.

The Commonwealth will have new powers to manage onshore biosecurity risks (including the 12 nautical mile marine zone).

The Commonwealth will work with states and territories to determine when or how these new powers may be used with state and territory legislation to more effectively manage onshore biosecurity risks. The Commonwealth will also identify what thresholds must be met, and how to evaluate these, for the biosecurity emergency declaration powers in Part 1 or Chapter 8 to be triggered.

The legislation provides for a single Australian-wide ballast water and sediment management regime for both international and domestic vessels consistent with the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments. The implementation of domestic ballast water regulations has been delayed until the International Convention comes into force.

Some useful DPIF contacts  
Regional Manager, Market and Enterprise Development Pieter Conradie 89518101
Manager, Old Man Plains Research Station Bryan Gill 89518127
Manager, AZRI Farm Deb Roberts 89518120
Livestock Industry Development Officer Chris Materne
Jocelyn Coventry
89518135
89518142
Regional Veterinary Officer Peter Saville 89518181
Manager, Central Australian Horticulture Development Project Stuart Smith 89518168
Manager, Water Microbiology Lab Cinzina Rovida 89518110
Regional Executive Officer Susan Turner 89518102

For more information go to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.


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