The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) is proposing changes to fees and charges for biosecurity regulatory activity in 2023-24. A public engagement process has commenced with the release of a consultation paper setting out DAFF’s cost calculation methodology and the reasons for proposed changes to fees and charges for biosecurity activities.
In November 2022, we posted an article: Public Consultation on Biosecurity, when DAFF invited the public to submit their views on a Proposed Model.
Yesterday (27 March 2023) they issued Industry Advice Notice 72-2023: Proposed changes to biosecurity fees and charges – public consultation. The focus is now squarely on the need to increase fees.
The proposed changes are the outcome of a comprehensive review of the cost to deliver existing regulatory activities to effectively manage biosecurity risk – and ensure fees and charges are aligned to the actual cost of these activities.
Details of the proposed changes to the biosecurity cost recovery arrangement are set out in the consultation paper, Proposed changes to regulatory charging for biosecurity activities. The paper also includes information on initiatives and reforms undertaken by DAFF, often in partnership with industry, to improve risk management and speed up cargo clearance times.
Industry participants and interested parties affected by these changes are invited to review the consultation paper and make a submission on DAFF’s ‘Have Your Say’ platform by 5 pm (AEDT) 24 April 2023. DAFF says it ‘welcomes your comments on this first step.’
To ensure DAFF continues to deliver biosecurity regulatory activities efficiently, adjustments need to be made to re-align regulatory fees and charges with the actual cost to deliver these activities – proposed from 01 July 2023.
These changes to stabilise the current regulatory system are the first step in broader efforts to sustainably fund the biosecurity system. DAFF is developing options for a sustainable funding model, which may include further changes to the biosecurity cost recovery arrangement to ensure it is fit for purpose as their operating model evolves.
Colless Young is a Licensed Customs Broker and International Freight Forwarder. We offer professional advice on all aspects of import and export procedures, including clearance through Customs and Quarantine, at all Australian ports and airports. Our logistics services cover air and sea freight, including fumigation, warehousing and trucking.
