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

I thank the minister for that response. We are very keen to progress those discussions, at least—given that you are not going to support this amendment—to get a firmer process, such as one using a delegated instrument or a regulation, by which to put in place an advisory committee.

I accept that invitation to hold further discussions about how we can progress that advisory committee and about how we can put such a committee in place in a way that is not just administrative; in terms of not having any form of protection for its existence. I thank the minister for that commitment.

The CHAIRMAN: The question is that Greens amendment (45) on sheet 7676 be agreed to.

Question negatived.

Greens amendment (46) on sheet 7676 relates to the Eminent Scientists Group. I move:

(46) Page 556, at the end of Chapter 10 (after proposed Part 6), add:

Part 7—Eminent Scientists Group

566P Establishment of Eminent Scientists Group

     The Eminent Scientists Group is established by this section.

566Q Functions of Eminent Scientists Group

(1) The Eminent Scientists Group has the function of reviewing and reporting to the Director of Biosecurity on the following:

  (a) draft BIRA reports prepared by the Director of Biosecurity;

  (b) submissions (if any) received in response to draft BIRA reports;

  (c) whether all relevant matters relating to the likely economic, social and environmental consequences of a disease or pest entering, emerging, establishing itself or spreading in Australian territory or a part of Australian territory have been considered in the draft BIRA reports;

  (d) whether the conclusions of a provisional BIRA report are scientifically reasonable, based on the material presented.

Timing of the report

(2) The Eminent Scientists Group must give the Director of Biosecurity the report on a review under subsection (1) within 60 days of receiving the draft BIRA report.

Directions from Director of Biosecurity

(3) In performing its functions, the Eminent Scientists Group must comply with any directions given to the Group by the Director of Biosecurity.

566R Appointment of Eminent Scientists Group members

(1) A member of the Eminent Scientists Group is to be appointed by the Director of Biosecurity by written instrument.

Note: For reappointment, see section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

(2) The Director of Biosecurity must, in appointing members to the Eminent Scientists Group, ensure that the composition of the Eminent Scientists Group reflects the diversity of the interests in the matter or matters that the Group will be dealing with.

(3) The Director of Biosecurity may designate a member of the Eminent Scientists Group as the Chair of the Group.

566S Terms and conditions of Eminent Scientists Group members

(1) A member of the Eminent Scientists Group holds office for the period determined by the Director of Biosecurity.

(2) A member of the Eminent Scientists Group holds office on the terms and conditions (if any) in relation to matters not otherwise covered by this Act that are determined by the Minister.

(3) A member of the Eminent Scientists Group may resign his or her appointment by giving the Director of Biosecurity a written resignation.

(4) The Director of Biosecurity may at any time terminate the appointment of a member of the Eminent Scientists Group.

As we know, the Eminent Scientists Group is a body for which there is a lot of strong support. We believe that this is an essential component of how we deliver biosecurity, and that the Eminent Scientists Group is a key part of delivering for biosecurity.

The functions of such a group would be to review and report on biosecurity—draft BRIA reports prepared by the department; submissions received on any draft BRIA reports; whether all relevant matters relating to the likely economic, social and environmental consequences of a disease or pest emerging, entering, establishing itself or spreading in an Australian territory or a part of the Australian territory have been considered in such reports; and whether the conclusions of a provisional BRIA are scientifically reasonable based on material presented.

We have articulated in our amendments that the Eminent Scientists Group must give the report on a review under section 1 within 60 days of receiving the draft BRIA report; that the group be appointed; that a member of such a group holds office for a period determined by the department; that a member of the group holds office on terms and conditions—in relation to matters not otherwise covered by this act—that are determined by the minister; that a member of the group must resign his or her appointment by giving a written resignation; and that—obviously—we believe that we need a group of eminent scientists who are able to conduct independent review of the BIRA reports. As I said, we believe this is an essential component of biosecurity risk analysis, and it is concerning to us that this has not been better considered in this legislation. We know that there is a lot of a strong support both in the industry and particularly in environment groups for such a group. Such a group has existed in the past and has provided excellent support, so we ask the government to reconsider this amendment to establish such a group.