We involve a range of stakeholders when we conduct import risk analyses.
Departmental officers
Departmental officers provide a combination of experience and expertise in:
- risk analysis as it relates to biosecurity
- science and regulation
- animal and/or plant pests and diseases
- industry and/or commercial processes and practices
- other disciplines relevant to the proposal under consideration.
All departmental officers must comply with the Australian Public Service (APS) Values and Code of Conduct. This includes the requirement to:
- be impartial
- declare personal interests
- declare any conflicts of interest.
External experts
We source external expertise when conducting import risk analyses as required, including from:
- other government agencies (Commonwealth, state and territory)
- industry
- scientific organisations
- academia
- private consultants
When determining which external experts will be involved in the analysis, we consider:
- the experience and expertise relevant to the import proposal being considered
- experience in a relevant scientific field
- knowledge of government processes and the national and international context of the analysis
- experience in the operational context of biosecurity risk decision making.
The use of external experts is subject to conflict of interest considerations. Before participating in an analysis, each potential external expert must declare any:
- potential conflict of interest
- possible perception of bias.
If this declaration raises any concerns, we may nominate an alternative member.
Other Commonwealth agencies
The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care is responsible for biosecurity policies relating to human health. Australia’s Chief Medical Officer holds the position of Director of Human Biosecurity under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
During an import risk analysis, we can request the Department of Heath and Aged Care review the analysis to determine if there are any human health impacts that may arise from a proposed import. This ensures human health impacts are considered during the import risk analysis process.
Depending on the goods proposed for import, we may also consult with other government authorities or agencies.
Goods may also be subject to other laws such as Customs Act 1901, Imported Food Control Act 1992, Gene Technology Act 2000 and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
State and territory agencies
The Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity is an agreement between the Australian, state and territory governments to strengthen the national biosecurity system. It underpins our approach to biosecurity partnerships with state and territory governments.
All import risk analyses we conduct involve state and territory governments. This can include review of key documents and meetings during our consultation periods.
Domestic stakeholders
All domestic stakeholders have a responsibility to help manage biosecurity in Australia. This can be through:
- on-farm biosecurity plans
- industry biosecurity plans
- development of industry export strategies
- participation in response and preparedness activities
- reporting any information about suspected plant or animal pests and diseases that could pose a biosecurity risk.
We recognise the biosecurity expertise of domestic stakeholders and involve them in all import risk analyses. For each analysis, we release a draft report for a public consultation period. During this period, we encourage stakeholders to submit comments on the report. These comments are thoroughly reviewed and considered when we develop the final report.
International stakeholders
International stakeholders interested in submitting an import request to Australia must provide information to support the request.
A request must be in writing and provide relevant scientific and other information.
International stakeholders can submit comments on our draft import risk analyses during the public consultation period.