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Weed assessment of new plant imports
BA is responsible for implementing the Commonwealth government's quarantine policy with respect to plants and animals. BA regulates the importation of new plant species, following a decision-making policy consistent with relevant international treaties. All proposed new plant imports are assessed for weed potential before they are permitted entry in addition to examining the risk that they will carry exotic diseases or insects.
BA has formally adopted a new system for assessing all new plant imports. The agreed pre-entry plant screening method is called the WRA system. This system is now used on all new plant imports whether they enter Australia as seeds, nursery stock or tissue culture and regardless of their use in Australia. This system has been endorsed by Environment Australia as well as a wide range of client groups.
The implementation of the WRA system is a component of the National Weed Strategy and was funded by monies arising from the Natural Heritage Trust.
The WRA system contains a questionnaire that can be scored either manually or inputted into an Excel spreadsheet.
The assessment of new plants follows a systematic documented process. This page includes a substantial list of weed references.
'Weeds as Quarantine pests' - A paper describing the background to BA/AQIS new plant weed assessment policy.
Development of the Weed Risk Assessment system. - A short history of the development and consultative processes which lead to the adoption of this system.