From 16 June 2016 the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources will be working under the Biosecurity Act 2015. This modern and flexible biosecurity legislation replaces the Quarantine Act 1908, but 108 years of quarantine operations cannot be erased overnight.

The Biosecurity Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions Act 2015 will support the smooth transition to the new laws. Some aspects of the biosecurity legislation that commence on 16 June 2016 will do so under transitional arrangements to enable the department and our industry clients to adjust incrementally to the new operating environment.

Preparing our clients and stakeholders

We know that it is vital to engage with and support our clients and stakeholders to prepare for commencement of the new laws. We have developed a series of audience specific pages that outline the key changes that clients and stakeholders can expect from the introduction of the biosecurity legislation.

The Biosecurity Act explained for specific audiences:

• importers, brokers and cargo industry
• installations
• airlines and aircraft operators
• shipping industry and port operators (stevedores)
• quarantine approved premises and compliance agreement holders

SOURCE: Dept of Agriculture and Water Resources