New biosecurity laws cut red tape and strengthen protection from today

New laws introduced today are the most significant change to biosecurity legislation in Queensland for more than 100 years, Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Leanne Donaldson said.

“The Biosecurity Act 2014 introduces changes today that ensure a consistent, modern, risk-based approach to biosecurity,” the Minister said.

“The changes cut red tape, reduce legislation by about 130 pages, and cut the number of biosecurity fees charged to farmers and the public.

“Previous biosecurity legislation was out of date, inconsistent and lacked the flexibility required to enable rapid responses to changing risks.”

The Minister said Queensland faced more biosecurity threats due to increased global travel, rising trade in animal and plant products and diversity of land use.

“In the face of these increased risks the Biosecurity Act 2014 improves our response capability by enabling biosecurity officers to respond immediately to emerging situations while testing is under way.

“From today, Queensland’s biosecurity is strengthened through new cattle tick management, an animal registration scheme, new biosecurity zones, expanded certification and auditing arrangements and flexible requirements for animal movement.

“The Act recognises that all of us share responsibility for biosecurity and that all of us need to ensure we do not spread pests, diseases or contaminants.”

Minister Donaldson said the changes were achieved through a comprehensive program of work over the past two years.

“Biosecurity Queensland has developed new forms, procedures, guidelines and systems to ensure readiness to meet client needs.

“Thousands of web pages have been updated.

“Officers have engaged with those who will be affected by the changes through industry meetings, events and tailored information and training.

“All of this work now delivers new laws to provide stronger protection from biosecurity risks to agriculture, the environment and Queenslanders.”

To find out how the new laws apply to you, call 13 25 23 or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au

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