Bio-security, quarantine upgrade will give Aust ‘world-class’ standing
Cargo Archive Stories #217
Monday, 24 September 2012
AUSTRALIA is currently undertaking a massive project to update bio-security laws and develop quarantine facilities that are likely to be amongst the most impressive – and, more importantly, the most effective – in the world.
Bio-security is not a sexy topic for most people and yet it is of vital importance to us because a failure of the bio-security structure, even on quite a small scale, can disrupt cargo flows drastically and trigger long-term bans or restrictions that have an ongoing effect.
The government has gone to great lengths to invite trade and public input for the new legislation, welcoming submissions and organising consultation meetings. A dedicated interactive blog was launched by DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) and updates on the proposed legislative changes were offered via Twitter.
“Australia’s bio-security system is world-class,” said Senator Joe Ludwig, the federal minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry. “We need to update our legislation and create a flexible operating environment to make sure that remains the case into the future.
“Our current Quarantine Act is a century old and, while it has served us well, this new legislation is needed to support safe and seamless transition of goods and services across Australia’s borders.”
The rewritten legislation will take a risk-based approach to bio-security management.
The proposed legislation has for some time been a work in progress, with chapters released for consultation as they were signed off by the drafting team.
Dr Conall O’Connell, DAFF’s secretary, said it was a big job but it was important that stakeholders had the information as early as possible, to facilitate informed feedback.
Submissions have also been sought on Australia’s import policy for dogs and cats.
The significance of this to the air cargo business was signalled by DAFF illustrating its web site call for input with a photograph showing domestic animals awaiting transport by air.
In line with all the proposed legislative changes, the review is based on a rigorous, science-based risk assessment and international experience with bio-security measures, including the use of the rabies vaccine, approved treatments and laboratory testing.
The review process will determine whether changes to the current import policy for dogs and cats will be implemented.
Bio-security, quarantine upgrade will give Aust ‘world-class’ standing
Cargo Archive Stories #217
Monday, 24 September 2012
AUSTRALIA is currently undertaking a massive project to update bio-security laws and develop quarantine facilities that are likely to be amongst the most impressive – and, more importantly, the most effective – in the world.
Bio-security is not a sexy topic for most people and yet it is of vital importance to us because a failure of the bio-security structure, even on quite a small scale, can disrupt cargo flows drastically and trigger long-term bans or restrictions that have an ongoing effect.
The government has gone to great lengths to invite trade and public input for the new legislation, welcoming submissions and organising consultation meetings. A dedicated interactive blog was launched by DAFF (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) and updates on the proposed legislative changes were offered via Twitter.
“Australia’s bio-security system is world-class,” said Senator Joe Ludwig, the federal minister for agriculture, fisheries and forestry. “We need to update our legislation and create a flexible operating environment to make sure that remains the case into the future.
“Our current Quarantine Act is a century old and, while it has served us well, this new legislation is needed to support safe and seamless transition of goods and services across Australia’s borders.”
The rewritten legislation will take a risk-based approach to bio-security management.
The proposed legislation has for some time been a work in progress, with chapters released for consultation as they were signed off by the drafting team.
Dr Conall O’Connell, DAFF’s secretary, said it was a big job but it was important that stakeholders had the information as early as possible, to facilitate informed feedback.
Submissions have also been sought on Australia’s import policy for dogs and cats.
The significance of this to the air cargo business was signalled by DAFF illustrating its web site call for input with a photograph showing domestic animals awaiting transport by air.
In line with all the proposed legislative changes, the review is based on a rigorous, science-based risk assessment and international experience with bio-security measures, including the use of the rabies vaccine, approved treatments and laboratory testing.
The review process will determine whether changes to the current import policy for dogs and cats will be implemented.
