06 April 2008

Quarantine and Biosecurity Review submission period extended to 28 April

On 19 February 2008, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon. Tony Burke MP announced a comprehensive, independent review of Australia’s quarantine and biosecurity systems. The timely review, the first wide-ranging assessment of quarantine and biosecurity in this country for many years, includes, but is not limited to, the functions of the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and Biosecurity Australia.

On 31 March 2008, Minister Burke announced that the review will be extended by two months. The panel is now to deliver its report and recommendations to the Minister by 30 September 2008. The Minister’s decision has enabled the Panel to extend the period in which submissions can be received. The submission period now runs until close of business on 28 April 2008.