ARDR STORY

Secure consultations

The Australian Government has released draft regulations under the newly legislated Biosecurity Act 2015 for public comment (see also our story Secured security.

The Act received royal assent on 16 June 2015 but will commence with a 12 months delay on 16 June 2016, when it will replace the previous Quarantine Act from 1908.

In the lead up, the Australian Government is drafting subordinate legislation to the Act in a number of areas.

A previous consultation with the public, which is now closed for comment, addressed Biosecurity Import Risk Analyses (BIRA) regulation and guidelines.

The currently open consultations address four additional regulations under the Act:

Approved arrangements, which provide an opportunity for businesses to enter into a voluntary arrangement with the Commonwealth to manage the biosecurity risk associated with their activities;
The Inspector General of Biosecurity, an important statutory position that provides independent oversight of Australia's biosecurity system;
Infringement notices, one of the law enforcement tools available; and
First Points of Entry, which details the requirements that must be met for ports and landing places to become a first point of entry.

More information: www.agriculture.gov.au

Secured security

May 2015 - The Biosecurity Bill 2014 along with supporting legislation was passed by the Parliament on 14 May 2015, but will come only into effect 12 months after receiving royal assent.

The new legislation replaces the Quarantine Act 1908 and its numerous amendments.

One of the more contentious issues surrounding the changes related to the position of the Inspector-General of Biosecurity, which is now enshrined in statute. The opposition had previously accused the Government of wanting to abolish the position.

But beyond this issue, the new legislation, first proposed in 2012, presents a substantial overhaul of previous arrangements. According to Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce, it will reduce compliance costs relating to supply chain and logistics, cargo, ports, customs brokers, importers, peak industry bodies, petroleum/exploration stakeholders and primary producers by around $6.9 million.

More information: www.agriculture.gov.au