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Equine Influenza Inquiry - the Government's response

In September 2007, the Hon. Mr Ian Callinan AC was appointed Commissioner to conduct an independent inquiry into the outbreak of equine influenza in Australia.

The Report of the Equine Influenza Inquiry and the Government's Response was released by The Hon. Tony Burke MP, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, on 12 June 2008. The government agreed to all 38 of the report's recommendations.  

Implementation plan

AQIS has developed an Equine Influenza Inquiry response project plan to implement the government's response to the Equine Influenza Inquiry recommendations. 

Professor Peter Shergold AC, former Secretary of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, has been engaged as an independent expert to provide regular external assessments of the implementation to June 2010. In addition, an independent external audit will be undertaken two years after implementation of the response.

Progress with implementation

Professor Shergold's reports to Minister Burke

Professor Peter Shergold AC provides regular reports to the Hon. Tony Burke MP on the implementation of the government's response to the Equine Influenza Inquiry. His reports provide an independent assessment of the government’s progress in implementing the recommendations of the Inquiry.

Professor Shergold's first report to Minister Burke

The Hon. Tony Burke MP released the first report by Professor Peter Shergold AC on 26 November 2008. Professor Shergold reported on the implementation of the government's response to the Equine Influenza Inquiry. Minister Burke also released his response to Professor Shergold.

Professor Shergold's second report to Minister Burke

Minister Burke released Professor Peter Shergold's second report for the period November 2008 to February 2009 on 2 June 2009. He also released his response to Professor Shergold's second report.

Professor Shergold's third report to Minister Burke


Minister Burke released Professor Peter Shergold's third report for the period March to September 2009 on 9 December 2009. He also released his response to Professor Shergold's third report.

Progress in implementing the Equine Influenza Inquiry response plan

AQIS is making good progress in implementing the Equine Influenza Inquiry response plan, including:

Interim Inspector General of Horse Importation

On 11 September 2008, the Hon. Tony Burke MP, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, announced the appointment of Dr Kevin Dunn as the Interim Inspector General of Horse Importation.

Dr Dunn will play a key role in checking operations and procedures for the importation of horses and is independent from the organisational and functional arrangements of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and Biosecurity Australia. Dr Dunn's role is further explained in his charter, as approved by the secretary of the department.

Industry and expert advice

Horse Industry Consultative Committee

AQIS has established a Horse Industry Consultative Committee to advise AQIS on a broad range of horse import and export issues, and the implementation of the Government's response. Representation on this committee includes:

  • Australian Horse Industry Council
  • Australian Racing Board
  • Equestrian Federation of Australia
  • Australian Harness Racing
  • Thoroughbred Breeders Australia
  • Australian Veterinary Association
  • Racing Victoria Limited
  • Quarantine and Exports Advisory Council (QEAC) 
  • major horse importers
  • airport representatives.

Expert Group

Forming part of the Government's response, an Expert Group chaired by the Commonwealth Chief Veterinary Officer and comprising representatives from the Animal Health Committee, Australian Animal Health Laboratory and Equine Veterinarians Australia has been established to bring effect to recommendations 14, 15 and 20 of the Equine Influenza Inquiry Report. The Expert Group provided advice to AQIS in March 2009 on biosecurity containment and animal health and safety issues at Sydney and Melbourne airports, as well as transfer arrangements to and facilities at the Eastern Creek (NSW) and Spotswood (Vic) animal quarantine stations.

National EI Forum

On 25 September 2008 a National Industry/ Government Equine Influenza Forum was held in Sydney. The following is a presentation by Dr Ann McDonald, Officer Responsible for Horse Imports, on current horse importation arrangements.

Biosecurity requirements and responsibilities

Contact us

Email Horse Imports for more information on the implementation of the government's response to the Equine Influenza Inquiry. 



Last reviewed: 14 Jan 2010
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