Eminent Scientists Group
The Eminent Scientists Group (ESG) is a high level review group independent of Biosecurity Australia that is tasked with providing external scientific and economic scrutiny of expanded* import risk analyses (IRAs).
The key purpose of the ESG is to review draft IRA reports, as revised by Biosecurity Australia after consideration of stakeholder comments. The ESG’s role was strengthened in September 2007, and again in July 2009, to take account of relevant new information brought to its attention, including assessing conflicting scientific views provided to it, to ensure that
- all submissions received from stakeholders in response to the draft IRA report have been properly considered
- all relevant matters relating to the likely economic consequences of a pest or disease incursion have been properly considered, and
- the conclusions of revised draft IRA report are scientifically reasonable, based on the material presented.
Under the Quarantine Regulations 2000, within 60 days of receiving a revised draft IRA report, the ESG prepares a report to the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine on its findings and recommends any action considered necessary to overcome any identified deficiencies.
* The Quarantine Regulations 2000 provide for standard and expanded IRAs. The Chief Executive of Biosecurity Australia may decide the expanded process will be followed where the IRA involves significant differences in scientific opinion, or where significant harm to people, animals, plants or the environment may result from an importation. The standard IRA process will be followed in all other circumstances.
Recent reports
Apples from China
- The ESG reviewed the Draft Import Risk Analysis Report for Fresh Apple Fruit from People's Republic of China (revised after consideration of stakeholders' comments) and made its report to the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine in November 2009.
Prawns and Prawn Products
- The ESG reviewed the draft Final Import Risk Analysis Report for Prawns and Prawn Products and made its report to the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine in June 2009.
Bananas from the Philippines
- The ESG reviewed the draft Final Import Risk Analysis Report for Cavendish Bananas from the Philippines and made its report to the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine in October 2008.
Chicken Meat (all countries)
- The ESG reviewed the draft Final Import Risk Analysis Report for Chicken Meat and made its report to the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine in May 2008.
Apples from New Zealand
- The ESG reviewed the draft Final Import Risk Analysis Report for Apples from New Zealand and made its report to the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine in October 2006.
Note: the ESG considered the above draft reports (Apples, Chicken Meat and Bananas and Prawns and Prawn Products) against its terms of reference under the previous IRA process.