The Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB) is an agreement between all Australian governments.
The agreement:
- sets out commitments for the Australian Government, and state and territory governments
- outlines the agreed national goals and objectives
- clarifies roles, responsibilities and governance arrangements.
It is signed by:
- the Prime Minister
- premiers
- chief ministers.
The agreement came into effect on 3 January 2019.
A stronger biosecurity system
The IGAB is an important part of Australia’s biosecurity architecture. Its role is to:
- strengthen Australia’s biosecurity system
- enhance national collaboration among Australian governments
- support our biosecurity system to meet current and future challenges.
Review
The 2019 IGAB requires an independent review of the agreement to be initiated within 5 years from its commencement.
Dr Michele Allan AO was appointed on 22 May 2024 as independent reviewer for the 2024 review of the IGAB.
Governance
Under the IGAB, the National Biosecurity Committee:
- provides strategic management and oversight of the national biosecurity system and intergovernmental relationships
- oversees the operation of the agreement.