Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

Sorry, my notes are not the same as the running order for the amendments, so I apologise for that.

The CHAIRMAN: You do not need to follow the running sheet if you do not wish to.

I think it is easier for the rest of the chamber. Greens amendment (3) which relates to consultation. I move:

(3) Page 6 (before line 17), before clause 6, insert:

5B Consultation with community in relation to administration

     Chapters 2 to 8 of this Act are to be administered, as far as practicable, in consultation with, and having regard to the views and interests of, the following:

  (a) Indigenous groups;

  (b) industry groups;

  (c) State and Territory governments;

  (d) local governments;

  (e) public sector entities;

  (f) conservation organisations;

  (g) any other interested groups;

  (h) the general community.

This amendment relates to issues around better consultation. There are similar provisions in the Queensland Biosecurity Act, which I think is the most modern of all the states' biosecurity legislation. We think it is particularly important that there is wide consultation through this process. We know the importance of biosecurity and, as the minister just outlined, it is an issue that is pervasive across a number of issues. It does require consultation with a range of bodies, so we felt that the legislation should more clearly point out those bodies that need to be consulted in the process of decision-making and implementation and administration of this particular act.