Terms of Reference
Australia’s biosecurity and quarantine systems operate on a science-based policy of managed risk, with:
- an Appropriate Level of Protection (ALOP) of very low but not zero risk
- a ‘continuum of quarantine’ so that intervention measures progressively reduce risk through pre-border, border and post-border activities, and
- responsibility shared between the different layers of government, importers, exporters and the community.
These systems must serve to protect Australia’s pest and disease status, consistent with community expectations and international obligations.
As such, it is vital that all operational arrangements are appropriate, effective and efficient. This includes the resourcing, legal, administrative and institutional frameworks that underpin, for example:
- animal and plant risk assessment
- targets for quarantine intervention
- import inspections and certification
- incursion response mechanisms, and
- roles of and relationships between the Australian, state and territory governments and the community.
In this context, the Australian Government has appointed an independent Panel to review current biosecurity and quarantine arrangements, including but not limited to the functions of Biosecurity Australia and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.
Specifically, the Panel is to provide recommendations on the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of:
- current arrangements to achieve Australia’s ALOP;
- public communication, consultation and research and review processes;
- resourcing levels and systems and their alignment with risk in delivering requisite services; and
- governance and institutional arrangements to deliver biosecurity, quarantine and export certification services.
In undertaking this review, the Panel should consult with relevant domestic and international stakeholders and, where appropriate, benchmark Australia’s arrangements in an international quarantine context. The Panel should also have regard for the 1996 Nairn Review into quarantine, and other relevant reports.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will provide secretariat services, including appropriate scientific, technical, policy and administrative support.
The Panel will provide a final report, including recommendations, to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry by 30 September 2008.