Biosecurity Advice 2016-15 - One month until new biosecurity legislation commences

16 May 2016

The Biosecurity Act 2015 commences on 16 June 2016, replacing the Quarantine Act 1908

The Australian Government, through the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, is reminding industry stakeholders and clients that the Biosecurity Act 2015 will commence in one month, on 16 June 2016.

The new legislation was developed in consultation with a range of stakeholders including industry, state and territory governments, health professionals, environmental groups, trading partners and the general public.

The final package of regulations consists of:

You can view the regulations on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments (formerly ComLaw) website.

Importers, brokers, port operators and those involved in transport or supply chain logistics are advised to make sure they understand the legislation including changes that may affect their industry after commencement on 16 June 2016.

Consultation on the following draft Determinations closes 17 May 2016:

Biosecurity (Prohibited and Conditionally Non-prohibited Goods) Determination 2016
Biosecurity (Reportable Biosecurity Incidents) Determination 2016

Other legislative instruments (declarations and determinations made by the Director of Biosecurity) will be made available on the department’s website shortly.

In some key areas, the legislation makes provision for a transition period to allow businesses time to become compliant with new requirements.

For more information on transitional arrangements in the Biosecurity Act access the Biosecurity (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Act 2015.

For more information including an interactive eLearning tool for industry on the new legislation.

Contact: Biosecurity Implementation Branch
Telephone: 1800 040 629
Email: New Biosecurity Legislation

General enquiries

Call 1800 900 090

Report a biosecurity concern