Letter as sent to stakeholders on 16 March 1999
DG32 98/3461
Dear Stakeholder
IMPORT RISK ANALYSIS - TAHITIAN LIMES FROM NEW CALEDONIA
In our letter of 9 February 1999 we advised you that the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) will conduct an import risk analysis (IRA) for the importation of Tahitian Limes (Citrus latifolia) from New Caledonia.
AQIS will conduct the risk analysis using the IRA process outlined in the AQIS Import Risk Analysis Process Handbook, which has been distributed to stakeholders. The purpose of this letter is to provide you with an opportunity to comment on the proposed approach to the risk analysis.
The process
AQIS considers that the risk analysis on the importation of Tahitian Limes from New Caledonia should be undertaken using the routine IRA process outlined in the IRA Handbook.
Timeframe for completing the risk analysis
We estimate that the risk analysis process will take approximately twelve months from commencement to completion using the routine process. If there are no unanticipated delays, we would expect the draft IRA paper to be released in August 1999. Stakeholders will be kept informed if there are any significant delays or variations to the proposed timeframe.
Request for comments
You are invited to comment on the proposal to conduct the IRA using the routine process. Your comments will be taken into consideration by AQIS in finalising its position on the type of process to be followed. AQIS will accept written submissions on this issue until the close of business on Thursday 15 April 1999. Responses should be forwarded to:
Plant Division
GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 2601
Email: Plant Division
Ph: +61 2 6272 3933
Fax: +61 2 6272 4333
If you wish to suggest inclusion of an additional stakeholder in our distribution list for this IRA, or if you wish to be removed from the distribution list, please provide details to the Import Risk Analysis Secretariat at the above address. Information on all IRAs the Plant Quarantine Policy Branch is currently conducting is available on the AQIS Homepage.
Subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Privacy Act 1988, all submissions received with respect to the review will be publicly available and be listed or referred to in papers or reports prepared in the review. If a request for anonymity does not accompany a submission, the respondent will be taken to have consented to the disclosure of his or her identity for the purposes of the Privacy Act. The contents of a submission will not be treated as confidential unless they are marked 'confidential' and they are capable of being classified as such in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.
We look forward to receiving your response.
Yours sincerely
Digby Gascoine
Director
Policy and International Division
16 March 1999