Property quarantined after Hendra outbreak (ABC News: Marlina Whop)
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, in partnership with the Department of Health and Ageing, is developing new biosecurity legislation on behalf of the Australian Government. This new legislation will replace the century-old Quarantine Act 1908.
As outlined in the report ‘Reform of Australia’s biosecurity system – New biosecurity legislation’ the new biosecurity legislation is intended to make Australia’s biosecurity system more responsive and streamlined. It will enable the Australian Government to better manage the risks of animal and plant pests and diseases entering, establishing, spreading and potentially causing harm to the Australian population, the environment and economy.
The new biosecurity legislation has been under development since 2008. Federal, state and territory governments, as well as industry representatives have been involved in the drafting process.
Stakeholders are encouraged to have their say on the new legislation. Additional material has been developed to accompany the legislation including;
A Regulatory Impact Statement which outlines the impacts of the new legislation
Explanatory material (including plain English chapter summaries, change tables, fact sheets and frequently asked questions).
The legislation and additional materials are, or will soon be, available via this website.
