Consultation arrangements - Quarantine and Biosecurity Review

4 March 2008

Consultation arrangements –Quarantine and Biosecurity Review

The Quarantine and Biosecurity Review Panel met for the first time in Canberra late last week to discuss the consultation process for the review.

Mr Roger Beale AO, Chair of the review panel, said “We intend to consult widely to seek the full range of views from interested parties and expect to receive submissions from domestic and foreign players.”

“We also plan to release an Issues Paper in mid March to provide some guidance for people in preparing their input to the review.”

The Issues Paper will set the scene for the review and highlight a number of key issues the Panel has identified for further consideration.

“The paper will pose some specific questions to spark discussion, but obviously, interested parties should not feel constrained by the identified topics and are welcome to draw any relevant matters to the Panel’s attention” Mr Beale said.

The Panel agreed to undertake a formal submission process that will provide stakeholders with an opportunity to present their views.

Submissions will be called at the time of the release of the Issues Paper and stakeholders will have 4 weeks to prepare their submissions. Further details about how submissions can be made will be made available shortly.

Following the formal submission period, the Panel will be travelling to each state and territory to conduct focussed forums with stakeholders in an effort to hear the views and concerns of people across a broad spectrum of interests.

On 19 February 2008, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, announced the broad ranging review of Australia’s quarantine and biosecurity arrangements.

Mr Beale is joined on the Panel by Dr Jeff Fairbrother AM, Mr Andrew Inglis AM and Mr David Trebeck.

The Panel is due to deliver its report and recommendations to the Minister by 31 July 2008.

Further information on the review can be found at www.quarantinebiosecurityreview.gov.au

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

Media queries can be directed to Nicola Hinder - DAFF Media +61 2 6272 3232