Biosecurity in Queensland A review of the prohibited and restricted matter lists: Discussion paper

Abstract

In April 2024, the Agriculture and Fisheries and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (AFOLA Act) made changes to the Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act). Part of these changes included moving what’s known as the prohibited and restricted matter lists (Schedule 1 and 2) from the Act to the Biosecurity Regulation 2016 (the Regulation). Maintaining the lists in the Regulation means they can be more readily updated and responsive to changes in biosecurity risks (e.g. to recognise new or emerging pests, pathogens or diseases). To implement the AFOLA Act amendments, the Department of Primary Industries (the department) has assessed the current prohibited and restricted matter lists against the technical criteria in the Act to determine whether they should continue to be listed and whether the management approach remains effective, before they are moved to the Regulation. This process also presented an opportunity to consider other high priority pests, pathogens and diseases for inclusion on the lists. This discussion paper seeks feedback on the proposed changes to the prohibited and restricted matter lists.