Australian Biosecurity Act 2015

Reporting Obligation

• Legislation: Phytosanitary Requirements/Restrictions/Prohibitions

Publication Date

01-01-2005

Last Updated

04-07-2022

Short Description

The Biosecurity Act 2015 (Biosecurity Act) provides the primary legislative means and a modern regulatory framework for the Australian Government to manage the risk of pests and diseases entering Australian territory and causing harm to animal, plant and human health, the environment and the economy. The Biosecurity Act commenced on 16 June 2016, replacing the Quarantine Act 1908 and is co-administered by the Ministers responsible for Agriculture and Health in Australia. The Biosecurity Act draws a balance between protecting Australia from pests and diseases, and maintaining the ability to trade internationally while giving effect to Australia’s international rights and obligations. The Biosecurity Act has been designed to enable the management of biosecurity risks in a modern and response manner to account for changes in technology and evolving biosecurity risk. This responsive biosecurity framework provided by the Biosecurity Act is important as international passenger travel and trade are growing and evolving every year. The Biosecurity Act 2015 also emphasises shared responsibility with many biosecurity management functions administered by the Australian Government, State and Territory governments and biosecurity industry participants. The Biosecurity Act safeguards Australia’s way of life, including the environment, human health, and the wellbeing of domestic animals and plants.

Contact for Info

For further information on the Biosecurity Act 2015, visit the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment website at https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/legislation/biosecurity-legislation Email: [email protected]

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Website

https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2021C00265