Our new biosecurity legislation, the Biosecurity Act 2019 (the Act), was fully implemented in May 2023. Before this time, Tasmania’s biosecurity system had been managed under the following seven separate Acts, which were repealed by the new Act:
- Animal (Brands & Movement) Act 1984
- Seeds Act 1985
- Animal Farming (Registration) Act 1994
- Animal Health Act 1995
- Plant Quarantine Act 1997
- Weed Management Act 1999
- Vermin Control Act 2000
A key part of implementing the new Act was the making of the Biosecurity Regulations 2022 to replace the various regulations (subordinate legislation) previously in place under the old legislative scheme.
The development of the Biosecurity Act 2019 and Biosecurity Regulations 2022 involved extensive consultation between government, industry and community. The ongoing operation of Tasmania's biosecurity system will require continued participation and cooperation. Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and we all have a role to play.
The Act provides a far simpler and more effective legal framework for the management of pests, diseases and invasive species, imports of plant and animal products, biosecurity emergencies, and monetary reimbursement for biosecurity related loss.
The new Act will ensure Tasmania has modern biosecurity laws capable of progressing the Tasmanian Biosecurity Strategy, whilst minimising red tape for business and the general community.
Benefits of the Act
improved ‘pre-border’ biosecurity management and an updated version of the legislation that previously managed Tasmania’s biosecurity.
a general biosecurity duty giving all people dealing with any animals, plants or related products a statutory duty of care to properly manage biosecurity risks.
criminal penalties that are more appropriate for the nature and gravity of biosecurity offences.
the ability for detailed biosecurity measures to be tailor-made for managing specific issues, activities or impacts, and implemented via subordinate regulations and statutory programs.
Background information
Significant stakeholder consultation occurred on the underlying policy of the new Act, commencing with the release of several position papers throughout 2016 and 2017 and extensive stakeholder consultation across 2017-2018 during preparation of the draft Biosecurity Bill.
Amendments to the draft Bill were made based on feedback received, and a small number of technical improvements were made in 2018 to address issues identified during the Queensland fruit fly response. The Biosecurity Bill 2019 was tabled in Parliament on Thursday 2 May 2019 and on 26 August 2019 the Biosecurity Act 2019 was passed. This exciting development represented one of the most significant reforms of Tasmania’s primary industry and environmental laws in decades.
Biosecurity Advisory Committee
An important element of the Biosecurity Act 2019 is the establishment of a Biosecurity Advisory Committee. The Committee provides advice to the Tasmanian Government and Minister for Primary Industries and Water on biosecurity in Tasmania and helps guide Government strategies and policy for biosecurity matters. Visit the Biosecurity Advisory Committee page for more information.