A bill that updates the Biosecurity Act 1993 and gives stronger powers to border control authorities passed its first reading in Parliament last night.Biosecurity Minister David Carter said the Act was progressive when it was introduced but it had not kep
A bill that updates the Biosecurity Act 1993 and gives stronger powers to border control authorities passed its first reading in Parliament last night.
Biosecurity Minister David Carter said the Act was progressive when it was introduced but it had not kept pace with the complex range of challenges that had to be faced yesterday.
"We need to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the system, allocating resources according to the level of risk and providing the greatest protection possible," he said.
A main provision in the bill is that the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry can focus its resources at the border on the passengers, baggage, cargo and mail that pose the greatest risk, rather than applying the same approach to everything.
The Biosecurity Law Reform Bill passed its first reading 107-6 -- the Green Party said it wasn't strong enough -- and was referred to the primary production select committee for public submissions.
