Members of the Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) are independent experts who have been appointed by the Director of Biosecurity. The SAG can provide advice on our biosecurity import risk analyses (BIRAs). We can also utilise members of the SAG in their capacity as independent experts to review our standard import risk analyses.
Review process - Biosecurity import risk analyses (BIRAs)
As part of a BIRA, we may ask the SAG at any stage in the process to review and provide comments on any aspect of the BIRA.
The SAG may be asked to consider whether:
- technical submissions received from stakeholders in response to the draft BIRA report have been properly considered
- all relevant matters relating to the likely economic consequences of a disease or pest incursion have been properly considered
- the conclusions of the draft and provisional BIRA report are logical and scientifically reasonable, based on the material presented
- any other issues have arisen during the BIRA process.
The SAG prepares a report on its findings and makes recommendations for our consideration to overcome any identified deficiencies in relation to the draft or provisional BIRA report or any other aspect of the BIRA. All final decisions rest with us.
Appointment and membership
Under the Biosecurity Regulation 2016, the Director of Biosecurity must appoint external persons to be members of the SAG.
Three positions in the SAG are filled by standing members. Their standing membership provides consistency across different import risk analyses. The standing positions include the chair, an economist and a risk analysis specialist.
We may also select extra members based on the good/s being considered and the expertise required.
We seek suggestions for extra members from stakeholders, including state and territory governments and industry.
Current standing members
The Director of Biosecurity appointed the current Scientific Advisory Group for a 1.7-year term, commencing 1 August 2023 and ending on 1 March 2025. The membership includes:
- Chair — Dr Joanne Daly PSM
- Economist — Mr Steve McCutcheon
- Risk analysis specialist — Mr Will Zacharin
Contact
Scientific Advisory Group secretariat
Phone: 1800 068 468
Email: Scientific Advisory Group