By the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
At the recent Cargo Consultative Committee (meeting 92), the DAFF gave an update on DAFF’s management process for the for the handling of Inspector General of Biosecurity (IGB), Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) and other independent reviews into Australia’s biosecurity system.
KEY POINTS
- The Commonwealth’s biosecurity system is subject to regular reviews by independent bodies such as the IGB, ANAO and others.
- The Biosecurity Evaluation and Performance Coordination section (BEPC) within BSRD has a strategic oversight role across the Biosecurity and Compliance Group in responding and reporting to independent reviews into DAFF’s biosecurity system, including those conducted by the IGB and ANAO.
- Since the position of the Inspector General was formally established under the Act, a total of 17 reviews have been published where the department has received 216 recommendations. As at 1 July 2022, 82 recommendations remain open and in progress by the department.
- The ANAO has actioned two audits with a biosecurity focus; Responding to Non-Compliance with Biosecurity Requirements; where 8 recommendation topics are underway or in readiness to complete and a newly published audit Human Biosecurity for International Air Travellers during COVID-19 with 3 recommendations.
Background
The Inspector-General of Biosecurity (IGB) reviews perform an important accountability role in ensuring biosecurity regulation is appropriately administered and remains fit-for-purpose. The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) supports accountability and transparency through independent reporting via performance audits reported to Parliament.
The tenure of the current IGB Mr Rob Delane is concluding on 24 July 2022. Dr Lloyd Klumpp will commence as the new IGB on 25 July 2022.
