Consultation - Western Australian Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act)

06 Jul 2022

Member feedback is sought on the WA Government consultation paper.
Feedback will inform the AVA submission and can be provided to Robyn Whitaker, Governance and Advocacy Officer, by 18 July 2022.

The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) is the foundation that protects Western Australia's environment, agricultural resources and the lifestyle that Western Australians enjoy. It governs WA’s responses to plant and animal pests, weeds and diseases, the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals, and the safety and quality of our agricultural products.

With growing numbers of pest and disease risks putting pressure on WA's biosecurity system, changing consumer expectations of the integrity, quality and safety of food and agricultural products, and with new technologies and new ways of thinking at WA’s doorstep, this Act is under review by Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

The review is being carried out during 2022 by an independent six-member panel, appointed by the Minister for Agriculture and Food. Stage 1 of the review process is a survey to identify major themes and issues.

The submission and survey process is open to all individuals and organisations with experience or opinions relating to the BAM Act and its intended outcomes. A structured format is used to obtain information and opinions on a range of topics relevant to the review;

  • What is working well (or not so well)
  • The adequacy of the penalties under the Act
  • The ability of the Act to keep pace with changes in its operating environment
  • Potential improvements to the Act
  • Our understanding and engagement with WA's biosecurity system

Consultation scope includes;

  • The entry, eradication, spread and impact of harmful pests, weeds and diseases into WA
  • Chemical residues on land
  • The use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals
  • The act of tampering with agricultural products and animal feed
  • Standards to ensure the safety and quality of agricultural products
  • The concept of 'shared responsibility' in biosecurity
  • Biosecurity funding

More detail is available from the submission and survey portal which can be accessed here. This is your chance to be involved with Biosecurity and Agriculture Management in WA. What you can do: