As members will recall from our notice disseminated on 18 January 2019 and subsequentmedia coverage, Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) submitted a formal request to the Hon David Littleproud, Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources calling for the Federal Government to immediately commission an independent review on BMSB measures.

In what is a major step forward in the support of our members, we are absolutely delighted to advise that an Independent Review will be completed by one of Australia's most senior officials being the Inspector-General of Biosecurity (IGB), Dr Helen Scott-Orr PSM.

Please refer to correspondence sent to industry representative bodies earlier today by the IGB:

"As the Inspector-General of Biosecurity, my mission is to enhance the integrity of Australia's biosecurity systems through independently reviewing and reporting on the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources' performance of biosecurity programs.

This week, I advised the Agriculture minister that I will add to my 2018–19 work plan a review of the effectiveness of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources' biosecurity measures to manage the risks of brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) entering Australia, and what if any improvements should be made.

In the current BMSB season, the increased BMSB approach rate and consequent increased departmental application of biosecurity measures to more goods imported from more countries has resulted in substantial disruption to trade with industry concern. The department is actively working to optimise pre-border and border measures to minimise disruption to industry. However, BMSB's continued spread means that intensified efforts on a wider front will be needed to keep it out of Australia.

The objectives of this review include examining:

• the effectiveness of measures used by the department to manage the risks of BMSB entering Australia,

• the department's engagement and consultation with industry in managing the risks, and

• what if any improvements should be made to the current arrangements.

This review will not examine policy and activities that are the responsibility of stakeholders—other than the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources—including state/territory governments, individuals and biosecurity industry participants.

To help me conduct this review, I am now inviting submissions from key stakeholders."

SUBMISSIONS

FTA has given a commitment to work closely with the IGB and will continue to engage with members in preparing a formal submission.

We also encourage members to make direct submissions to the IGB.

Supporting Documents

Details of the Independent Review

Submission coversheet - please ensure that a completed cover sheet is attached to your submission.

We understand that these documents will be soon uploaded to Inspector-General of Biosecurity website. 

Submissions close Friday, 22 February 2019.

Project Manager for the FTA submission is Andrew Crawford - Head of Border and Biosecurity - contact acrawford@FTAlliance.com.au

Paul Zalai - FTA / APSA