BMSB - EXECUTIVE UPDATE # 2

Friday, August 2, 2019

1 August 2019 - Andrew Crawford (Head of Border and Biosecurity - FTA) and I met in Canberra with executives from the Department of Agriculture and at Parliament House with advisors for the Minister for Agriculture - an executive summary of key points pertaining to Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) reforms are listed below:

Systems enhancements – the departmental representatives provided an encouraging update noting that systems enhancements are progressing well with a phased approach to support entry assessment teams.

Household Goods and Personal effects – the department will provide formal advice in terms of whether HHGPE will be in or out of scope – policy is being considered and the department will continue engagement with FTA and the Australian International Movers Association (AIMA).

Safeguarding arrangements – FTA requested that the department disseminate a notice with the draft application form and requirements so that members could undertake pre-emptive to prepare for the scheme once opened up beyond the current pilot – it is anticipated that further detail will be released next week.

Offshore treatment - the lack of availability of a list of approved offshore treatment providers for 2019/20 season was raised with the department and Ministerial advisors who advised they plan to have preliminary details on their web site early next week.

Additional resourcing – FTA advised the Minister's office that significant merit was seen in the Inspector General Biosecurity's independent review into BMSB, particularly recommendations pertaining to an increase in the staffing cap to support resourcing of entry assessment and inspection groups – FTA's position is that an increase in cost recovery would be appropriate with close industry engagement to ensure that funds are appropriately utilised and directed to personnel and systems enhancements. 

Paul Zalai - FTA / APSA

WEBINAR - FREE & EXCLUSIVE TO FTA, APSA & CTAA MEMBERS

BMSB - Preparing for the 2019/2020 Season

Sponsored by

11am to 12pm (AEST) Monday 12 August 2019  

Here is a chance for a final re-cap on Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) measures as we approach the 1 September 2019 commencement date for the 2019/2020 season.

In our upcoming webinar, Andrew Crawford (Head of Border and Biosecurity - FTA), will discuss the following compliance and operational matters:

  • when do measures apply;

  • target risk countries;

  • measures relating to goods;

  • mandatory treatment for target high risk goods;

  • target high risk goods;

  • bulk goods including open top and flat rack containers;

  • FCL and FCX;

  • LCL and FAK;

  • Safeguarding arrangements;

  • Treatment assurance measures;

  • Treatment minimum standards; and

  • Offshore Treatment Provider Scheme.

REGISTER HERE

CPD points

Following the webinar, an online assessment and resources will be available viawww.ComplianceNetFTA.com.au

Preparing for 2019/20 BMSB Season (3 CPD Points - Stream A -– FTA095)

NOTE: Individual members and employees of Premium Members with online CPD packages can access this material at no cost using the supplied promotional codes - for further detail please click HERE.

Industry workshops for LCL/FAK Process


In preparation for the 2019-20 BMSB season, the Department of Agriculture will be hosting Industry information workshops in Melbourne on 5 August and in Sydney on 6 August for those involved with importing or handling LCL/FAK consignments that require increased intervention during the 2019-20 BMSB risk season.

 

Master consolidators, freight forwarders, importers, customs brokers, biosecurity industry participants, stevedores, wharf operators and treatment providers are encouraged to attend.

 

The workshops will also have teleconference facilities available for those unable to attend in person. Industry members are asked to register which workshop they wish to attend, and if via teleconference through the departments BMSB webpage.