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Quarantine rethink after farmers' fury
16 Jul 2004
The Federal Government yesterday announced changes to Biosecurity Australia, following pressure from concerned pork, apple and banana producers. Farmers have claimed that BA made serious errors in its import risk analyses that have sanctioned various imports.
Producers' anger was heightened over the quarantine regimen when citrus canker was discovered in Queensland recently.
The Federal Agriculture Minister said BA will be established as a separate agency outside the Department of Agriculture's trade area. It's hoped this will remove any perceptions that trade considerations, rather than scientific analysis, influence its recommendations on import risks. A group of independent scientists will be appointed to help assess draft IRAs.
BA's boss, Mary Harwood, will move to another job.
Sydney Morning Herald, 16/7/04.
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