Biosecurity Advice 2016/04 - Consultation extended for approved arrangements, inspector-general of biosecurity,

infringement notices and first points of entry draft biosecurity regulations.

22 February 2016

The Australian Government, through the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, has extended the consultation period for the following draft regulations under the Biosecurity Act 2015 for public consideration.

• Biosecurity (General) Regulation 2015: Approved Arrangements
• Biosecurity (General) Regulation 2015: Inspector-General of Biosecurity
• Biosecurity (General) Regulation 2015: Infringement Notices
• Biosecurity (General) Regulation 2015: First Points of Entry

Consultation is open until 24 March 2016.

This extension of the consultation period is to allow industry sufficient time to consider the draft regulations thoroughly and provide feedback on how the regulations will work when the    Biosecurity Act 2015 takes effect on 16 June 2016.

The draft regulations have been published on the department’s website.

Approved arrangements 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 is an important statutory position to provide independent oversight of our system; and infringement notices are one of the tools we have to manage compliance with Australia’s biosecurity requirements. First points of entry are required to ensure that overseas aircraft and any goods on board enter Australia at a designated place that has the appropriate facilities to effectively manage any biosecurity risk.

Submissions on the draft First Points of Entry Regulation relating to human health can be directed to the Department of Health. Please visit the Department of Health’s website for more information.

For more information, or to make a submission, please visit: Biosecurity Legislation