22 August 2013
This Biosecurity Advice informs stakeholders that the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has finalised a biosecurity policy for the importation of zoo elephants from approved countries. Importation of zoo elephants may be permitted subject to the Quarantine Act 1908, and the application of sanitary measures as specified in the Importation of zoo elephants from approved countries: Final policy review. Once the necessary arrangements for implementation have been completed, the policy will be taken into account by decision makers when considering import permit applications for zoo elephants from approved countries in accordance with the Quarantine Act 1908 and Quarantine Proclamation 1998 as amended.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has completed a policy review of the importation of zoo elephants from approved countries. A draft policy review was issued on 21 June 2013 for a 30-day consultation period, which closed on 22 July 2013 (BA 2013/15).
Stakeholder comments were received from the Australasian Zoo and Aquarium Association, the Australian Veterinary Association and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Republic of the Philippines.
DAFF considered all of the stakeholder comments and made minor editorial corrections to the review.
Following completion of the policy review, importation of zoo elephants from approved countries will be able to resume under specific biosecurity measures.