Members of the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) are independent experts who have been appointed by the Director of Biosecurity. The SAG can provide advice on our biosecurity import risk analyses (BIRAs). We can also utilise members of the SAG in their capacity as independent experts to review our standard import risk analyses.
Review process - Biosecurity import risk analyses (BIRAs)
As part of a BIRA, we may ask the SAG at any stage in the process to review and provide comments on any aspect of the BIRA.
The SAG may be asked to consider whether:
- technical submissions received from stakeholders in response to the draft BIRA report have been properly considered
- all relevant matters relating to the likely economic consequences of a disease or pest incursion have been properly considered
- the conclusions of the draft and provisional BIRA report are logical and scientifically reasonable, based on the material presented
- any other issues have arisen during the BIRA process.
The SAG prepares a report on its findings and makes recommendations for our consideration to overcome any identified deficiencies in relation to the draft or provisional BIRA report or any other aspect of the BIRA. All final decisions rest with us.
Appointment and membership
Under the Biosecurity Regulation 2016, the Director of Biosecurity must appoint external persons to be members of the SAG.
Three positions in the SAG are filled by standing members. Their standing membership provides consistency across different import risk analyses. The standing positions include the chair, an economist and a risk analysis specialist.
We may also select extra members based on the good/s being considered and the expertise required.
We seek suggestions for extra members from stakeholders, including state and territory governments and industry.
The previous SAG lapsed in March 2025 and we are committed to renewing the group. While a SAG can be established and available in time for any future BIRA, the Department is reviewing the role of the SAG to ensure it remains fit for purpose. In addition, we regularly engage relevant expertise to support delivery of analysis, assessment and treatment of risks posed by imports into Australia.