June 17 - Australia's Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) has advised that, as of June 16, the Biosecurity Act 2015 replaces the Quarantine Act 1908.

The Biosecurity Act has been developed in consultation with industry, agricultural stakeholders, state and territory governments, environmental groups, health professionals, international trading partners and the general public, informed the DAWR.

The Biosecurity Act 2015 and supporting instruments can be viewed on the Federal Register of Legislation (formerly ComLaw) website.

The DAWR advises that importers, brokers, port operators and those involved in transport or supply chain logistics make sure they understand the legislation including changes that may affect the industry.

In some defined areas, the legislation makes provision for a transition period to allow businesses time to become compliant with new requirements, informed the governmental body.

www.agriculture.gov.au