SHEEP, goat and cattle producers in Australia have less than a month to have input into a review of an intergovernmental biosecurity agreement between the states.

The Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB) was introduced in 2012 by the federal, and state and territory governments, to strengthen the national biosecurity system.

The agreement establishes a nationally agreed framework to prevent, prepare for, detect and mitigate biosecurity risks, as well as respond to, manage and recover from biosecurity incidents.

To ensure its ongoing effectiveness, Australian agriculture ministers have agreed to a comprehensive review of the IGAB and a broader examination of the nation’s biosecurity system.

The review is being conducted by an independent three-person panel comprising chair Dr Wendy Craik AM, Mr David Palmer and Dr Richard Sheldrake AM, supported by Commonwealth, state and territory governments.

Dr Craik said the review will help identify what works, what doesn’t, what could be done better and how partnerships can be strengthened across Australia’s biosecurity system.

“The panel is seeking input from all stakeholders, including governments, industry and the broader community, owing to the vital role they play in the management of biosecurity risks in Australia.

“The panel has welcomed the initial contribution of industry along with state and territory governments in the early stages of the review,” Dr Craik said.

“A discussion paper has been developed to guide our consultation and help inform discussions on the review and we’re calling for comments on the topics and questions raised within.

“All interested stakeholders are encouraged to make a submission to the review.”

The closing date for submissions is 5pm (AEST) July 8 2016. Click here to read the discussion paper.

For further information on the review, making a submission, or to read the discussion paper, visit agriculture.gov.au/igabreview.

Formal submissions

A formal submission can be a short letter or a more detailed document. There is no limit on the length of a submission. However, if the submission is more than three pages in length, please include a summary of your key comments and suggestions. Submissions lodged by email must be accompanied by the submission cover sheet. Email your formal submission and the completed cover sheet to IGAB Review.

Online submissions

The online submission form is recommended for submissions with a maximum of 500 words. Please complete all fields in the online submission form. For partially confidential submissions, please clearly mark confidential content.

New Biosecurity Act comes into force on June 16

Important changes to Australia’s biosecurity system also come into effect on June 16 2016 with commencement of the Biosecurity Act 2015. There are new requirements that will affect how the biosecurity risks of goods, people and conveyances entering Australia are managed.

Find out what this means for you and international visitors to Australia http://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity/legislation/new-biosecurity-legislation/16-june

Source: Department of Agriculture and Water Resources.