19 May 2016
Purpose
This notice is for those who are interested in the progress of the new biosecurity legislation.
Background
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 less than 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:
- The Biosecurity Regulation 2016
- The Biosecurity Charges Imposition (General) Regulation 2016
- The Biosecurity Charges Imposition (Customs) Regulation 2016
- The Biosecurity (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Regulation 2016
- The Quarantine Repeal Proclamation 2016
You can view the regulations on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments (formerly ComLaw) website.
Summary of changes and key points
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.
Other legislative instruments (declarations and determinations made by the Director of Biosecurity) will be made available via 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, visit The Biosecurity Act 2015.
Contact Information
For more information, please visit: The Biosecurity Act 2015 or contact the Biosecurity Implementation Branch at New Biosecurity Legislation or call us on 1800 040 629.
Lee Cale
Assistant Secretary
Biosecurity Implementation Branch