1/06/2023
Who does this notice affect?
All stakeholders who provide information to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) under the Biosecurity Act 2015 – including importers, customs brokers, biosecurity industry participants (BIPs), treatment providers, aircraft or vessel operators, all other operators in the import or export supply and logistics chain.
What has changed?
The Biosecurity Amendments (Strengthening Biosecurity) Act 2022 makes changes to the information management regime under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
The changes will support best practice information sharing whilst maintaining controls and safeguards for the sharing of certain kinds of protected information, including sensitive information.
The changes introduce new specific authorisations for certain stakeholders, including biosecurity industry participants (BIPs) and survey authorities, to use and disclose relevant information while performing their duties under biosecurity legislation.
It your responsibility to be aware of your obligations in relation to the use or disclosure of information under the Biosecurity Act – new sanctions may apply for the unauthorised use or disclosure of protected information.
Further information can be found on the department’s website.
The changes to the Biosecurity Act 2015 come into effect on the 6th of June 2023.
Further information
If you require further information, please call 1800 900 090 or send your questions to us using our online form.