Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L00243:reg:4:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2020L00243
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 4 (pt 2/3)
Character Range: 4468–7394

case, the Agriculture Department has undertaken work with the competent authority in Malaysia to ascertain the competence of their veterinary health certification processes. However, information received to date does not provide assurance that blood samples presented for testing are collected from the cats and dogs to be imported, or that other preparations required by the standard permit conditions are actually being performed on the cats and dogs to be imported.
 (vii) Having regard to the above, the Agriculture Department is concerned that the process undertaken by Malaysian veterinarians is not sufficiently robust to indicate that a relevant purpose of the standard permit condition—to prevent the Diseases and other diseases entering Australia—is being fulfilled. In view of those concerns, I am satisfied that if companion cats and dogs or assistance dogs continue to be imported or brought into Australia from Malaysia, there is a moderate likelihood that the Diseases (and other diseases) could enter Australian territory and establish themselves.
 (viii) If the Diseases or vectors carrying the Diseases enter Australian territory with cats and dogs imported directly from Malaysia and become established in Australian territory, I am satisfied that there is potential for the Diseases to cause harm to human and animal health in Australia. I am satisfied that there could be economic consequences associated with the entry, establishment or spread of the Diseases or vectors carrying the Diseases.
 (ix) Having regard to the matters set out above, I am satisfied that the level of biosecurity risk is unacceptable. In particular, I am satisfied that the level of biosecurity risk associated with the importation of cats and dogs from Malaysia is at a level greater than very low, and is therefore unacceptable, in accordance with the ALOP for Australia. A temporary suspension of the importation of cats and dogs from Malaysia will allow for a review of risk management conditions and compliance arrangements and for the results of that review to be implemented.
 (b) Therefore I am making this determination to address the unacceptable level of biosecurity risk associated with the importation of cats and dogs from Malaysia to Australia.

Scope of suspension

 (c) Subject to the exceptions set out in paragraphs 7(2)(a)-(b) and explained below, the suspension applies to all cats and dogs imported from Malaysia to Australia that are considered as companion or assistance animals.
 (d) The exception in paragraph 7(2)(a) exempts cats and dogs that are imported to Australia from a third country, but have originated in Malaysia. The permit conditions relating to such cats and dogs require certifications from veterinarians in the relevant third country, not Malaysia, and the Agriculture Department does not consider that such animals' original presence in Malaysia presents an increased risk, since this