4 December 2009
Draft Import Risk Analysis Report for Fresh Apple Fruit from the People's Republic of China - Review by the Eminent Scientists Group
This Biosecurity Australia Advice (BAA) informs stakeholders that the Eminent Scientists Group (ESG) has concluded its review of the Draft import risk analysis report for fresh apple fruit from the People’s Republic of China (revised after consideration of stakeholders’ comments). A copy of the ESG report is available on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website. Biosecurity Australia expects to issue a provisional final IRA report in early 2010, which will be open to appeal.
On 21 September 2009, Biosecurity Australia advised stakeholders in BAA 2009/23 that the Draft IRA report for fresh apple fruit from the People’s Republic of China (revised after consideration of stakeholders’ comments) was formally referred to the ESG. The role of the ESG is to ensure:
- all submissions received from stakeholders in response to the draft IRA report have been properly considered
- all relevant matters relating to the likely economic consequences of a pest or disease incursion have been properly considered and the conclusions of the revised draft IRA report are scientifically reasonable, based on the material presented.
The ESG has submitted its findings to Australia’s Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine and to Biosecurity Australia. The ESG report is available on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
Biosecurity Australia is now preparing the provisional final IRA report and recommendations, taking account of the ESG report. The provisional final IRA report is expected to be issued in early 2010. Stakeholders will have 30 days from the publication of the report to lodge an appeal in writing to the Import Risk Analysis Appeals Panel (IRAAP)—a body independent of Biosecurity Australia—on the basis that there was a significant deviation from the regulated IRA process set out in the Import Risk Analysis Handbook 2007 (update 2009) that adversely affected the interests of a stakeholder.
In lodging appeals, stakeholders are required to submit reasons for their appeal.
The IRAAP will consider the appeal(s) and report its findings to the appellant(s) and the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine within 45 days of the closing date for appeals.
Following any appeal process (and implementation of appeal outcomes, if required) a final report and recommendations will be provided to the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine, who will then make a quarantine policy determination.
Dr Colin J Grant
Chief Executive
Contact: Dr Vanessa Findlay
Tel: +61 2 6272 3050
Fax: +61 2 6271 6382