1 June 2009
BIOSECURITY AUSTRALIA ADVICE 2009/13
This Biosecurity Australia Advice notifies stakeholders that an Import Risk Analysis Appeals Panel (IRAAP) will be convened to consider appeals submitted on the Provisional final import risk analysis report for fresh unshu mandarin fruit from Japan.
The IRAAP will consider the appeals and deliver a finding or series of findings in relation to each appeal by 25 June 2009.
Biosecurity Australia Advice 2009/07 of 6 April 2009, notified stakeholders of the release of the Provisional final import risk analysis report for fresh unshu mandarin fruit from Japan. The provisional final report was open for appeal to an independent panel, the Import Risk Analysis Appeals Panel, until 11 May 2009.
Stakeholders who believed there was a significant deviation from the process set out in the Import Risk Analysis Handbook 2007 that adversely affected their interests were able to appeal to the IRAAP.
The IRAAP Secretariat has advised Biosecurity Australia that three stakeholders provided submissions during the appeal period. In line with the IRAAP’s terms of reference outlined in the Import Risk Analysis Handbook 2007, the Chair has considered that evidence presented by stakeholders warrants consideration by a panel.
The IRAAP will consider the appeals and deliver a finding or series of findings in relation to each appeal. The IRAAP will report its findings to the appellants and Australia’s Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine by 25 June 2009 (45 days from the closing date of appeals).
At the conclusion of the appeal process, and after any issues arising from the appeal process have been addressed the Chief Executive, Biosecurity Australia, will provide the final IRA report and a recommendation for a quarantine policy to the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine for determination.
For inquiries on the appeal process, please contact the IRAAP Secretariat by email at IRAAP.
[signed]
Dr Colin J Grant
Chief Executive