Quarantine and Biosecurity Review

Fri, 20 Jun 08

We produce for your information below a release from the Quarantine and Biosecurity Review Secretariat.

Farmers,   conservationists,   food   importers  and  exporters,  transport operators,   government   and   government  agencies  are  among  the  many stakeholders  being  asked  to help shape Australia’s future quarantine and biosecurity arrangements.

The independent review of Australia’s quarantine and biosecurity arrangements, announced in February by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, is now receiving submissions from affected and interested parties.

In  recent  advertising  in  major  metropolitan  and rural newspapers, the Quarantine  and Biosecurity Review Panel announced the release of an Issues Paper  and  the  Panel's  call  for  submissions.  This  e-mail is to alert stakeholders  who  may not have seen this advertising of the release of the Issues Paper and the call for submissions.

The  Issues Paper will provide guidance for people in preparing their input to  the  review.  It  also poses some specific questions which particularly interest   the   Review   Panel.   The   paper   can   be  downloaded  from www.quarantinebiosecurityreview.gov.au.

Stakeholders have until Friday 11 April 2008 to prepare their submissions. Details on how to make a submission are available from the Quarantine and Biosecurity Review’s website.

Following the formal submission period, the Panel will travel to each state and territory to conduct focussed forums in an effort to hear stakeholder views. The Panel is due to deliver its report and recommendations to Minister Burke by 31 July 2008.

The Review Panel is Chaired by Mr Roger Beale AO. He is joined on the Panel by Dr Jeff Fairbrother AM, Mr Andrew Inglis AM and Mr David Trebeck.

Further information on the review can be found at the Review Secretariat’s website: www.quarantinebiosecurityreview.gov.au

The Review Secretariat can also be contacted directly on quarantinebiosecurityreview@daff.gov.au  or  1800 196 192

Please feel free to forward this information to any interested contacts/parties.

Quarantine and Biosecurity Review Secretariat