The Australian Government has been investigating practical ways of introducing biofouling management requirements for vessels arriving in Australian waters for several A regulation impact statement was released for consultation in 2011–12 and has been undergoing further analysis since then. Review of National Marine Pest Biosecurity In October 2014 the Australian Government allocated $5 million over four years for a review of invasive marine species and subsequent strengthening of marine pest biosecurity arrangements. The review focused on the Australian Government’s responsibilities and activities in national marine pest biosecurity and makes recommendations to cost-effectively improve national marine pest biosecurity arrangements. The scope of the review is at Appendix B. The review process included significant stakeholder consultation: Jurisdictions and National System partners were consulted in the development of the of the review. An issues paper was publicly released on 23 October 2014 inviting comment on any aspect of national marine pest biosecurity. A discussion paper was released on 1 April 2015 seeking further input and discussion on some of the key issues raised. Workshops discussing the topics raised in the discussion paper were held in all states and territories. Many stakeholders also took the opportunity to discuss their views and concerns through meetings and teleconferences. Throughout the consultation process, the department received 38 written submissions and held meetings, teleconferences and workshops with over 90 stakeholder organisations involved in or affected by marine pest biosecurity activities. As part of the review, the department commissioned two studies by ABARES: Comparison of the cost and effectiveness of prevention, eradication, containment and protection of marine pest incursions (Arthur, Summerson & Mazur 2015) A review of the design and use of Australia's national monitoring strategy and identification of possible improvements (Arthur et al. 2015). In developing this report, consideration has been given to the many issues raised by stakeholders through submissions and meetings as well as information from the commissioned reports.
Appendix A: of the Review of national marine pest biosecurity The Department of Agriculture and Resources will conduct a review of national marine pest biosecurity arrangements and report to the Australian Government by 30 June 2015. The review’s report will provide recommendations for Australian Government investment that are effective, simple and provide a high return on investment to strengthen national marine pest biosecurity. The department will consult with the public, other agencies of the Australian Government and key stakeholders in national marine pest biosecurity. Scope This review will be limited to the Australian Government’s responsibilities and activities in the national marine pest biosecurity arrangements. It will: Assess whether the implementation of the National System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions (the National System) has: provided effective and cost efficient procedures in relation to prevention, eradication, containment and on-going management of marine pest incursions, for the purpose of protecting Australia’s marine environment and industries dependent on marine resources facilitated consistency in Australia’s border and post border controls for marine pest management and their consistency with relevant international standards provided a consistent regulatory approach across Australia through legislation and/or nationally agreed standards, guidelines and protocols provided cost-effective compliance and enforcement arrangements for industry, government and the community. Recommend whether harmonised, collaborative and effective national marine pest biosecurity arrangements would be most effectively achieved by the Australian Government pursuing the implementation of the National System, or an alternative framework. Identify, and prioritise elements of national marine pest biosecurity arrangements which require improvement, and recommend prioritised actions for the Australian Government to improve those elements. Consider sustainable funding, Australia’s international commitments, the government’s support for the multilateral trade system and other relevant government initiatives in providing recommendations. Out of scope The following elements are out of scope for this review: the content of the National Environmental Biosecurity Response Agreement