Biosecurity Act 2015
No. 61, 2015
Compilation No. 20
Compilation date: 1 January 2026
Includes amendments: Act No. 62, 2025
This compilation is in 2 volumes
Volume 1: sections 1-403
Volume 2: sections 404-645
Endnotes
Each volume has its own contents
About this compilation
This compilation
This is a compilation of the Biosecurity Act 2015 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 1 January 2026 (the compilation date).
The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.
Uncommenced amendments
The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au).
Application, saving and transitional provisions
If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.
Editorial changes
For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes.
Presentational changes
The Legislation Act 2003 provides for First Parliamentary Counsel to make presentational changes to a compilation. Presentational changes are applied to give a more consistent look and feel to legislation published on the Register, and enable the user to more easily navigate those documents.
Modifications
If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. Any modifications affecting the law are accessible on the Register.
Self‑repealing provisions
If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.
Contents
Chapter 1—Preliminary
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Short title
2 Commencement
3 Simplified outline of this Act
4 Objects of this Act
5 Appropriate Level of Protection (ALOP) for Australia against biosecurity risks
6 Act binds the Crown
7 Extension of Act to Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and other prescribed external Territories
8 Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws
Part 2—Definitions
9 Definitions
10 Meaning of approved arrangement
11 Meaning of associate
12 Meaning of Australian territory
13 Meaning of biosecurity entry point
14 Meaning of biosecurity industry participant and covered by
14A Meaning of biosecurity worker
16 Meaning of conveyance
17 Meaning of exposed to
18 Meaning of first point of entry
19 Meaning of goods
20 Meaning of installation
21 Meaning of operator of a conveyance
22 Meaning of person in charge
Part 3—Constitutional and international law provisions
Division 1—Introduction
23 Simplified outline of this Part
Division 2—Constitutional and international law provisions
24 Severability
25 Application of this Act in relation to pests that are quarantine risks or…
Overview
The Biosecurity Act 2015 was enacted to provide a comprehensive framework for managing biosecurity risks to human, animal, and plant health, as well as the environment, in Australia. This legislation addresses a critical gap in the protection of Australia's borders from the introduction and spread of pests and diseases, which can have devastating impacts on agriculture, ecosystems, and public health. The Act was introduced by the Australian Parliament and its primary policy objectives include safeguarding Australia's biosecurity, ensuring the responsible management of biosecurity risks, and upholding Australia's international obligations under various treaties and agreements. It aims to provide mechanisms for assessing, controlling, and mitigating biosecurity risks associated with the import of goods, conveyances, and the movement of people across the Australian border, thereby ensuring a high level of protection against biosecurity threats.
Scope and Application
The Biosecurity Act 2015 is a Commonwealth Act that applies to various persons, entities, and activities within Australian territory, including the external Territories of Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands, to manage and mitigate biosecurity risks to human, animal, and plant health. The Act applies to all individuals, businesses, and vessels entering Australian territory, aiming to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases and pests that could harm the environment, public health, or the economy. It binds the Commonwealth and does not extend to actions that would contravene the rights of foreign vessels as per international conventions. The Act's application can be extended through subordinate legislation, which may specify additional areas or activities for the purposes of biosecurity management. Notably, certain State and Territory laws are excluded from operation where they conflict with the Act's provisions on pests and diseases, ship sanitation, and biosecurity emergencies. The Act also includes provisions for the declaration of biosecurity emergencies and the establishment of biosecurity zones, where specific powers and measures can be applied to manage and monitor biosecurity risks more effectively.
Key Provisions
- The Biosecurity Act 2015 establishes a framework for managing biosecurity risks to human, animal, and plant health in Australia. Section 4 (Objects of the Act) outlines the primary goals, including providing for the protection of Australia's environment, human health, animal health, and plant health from biosecurity risks, and facilitating trade and travel. The Act applies to diseases and pests that may cause harm to human, animal, or plant health or the environment and extends to all of Australia and its external Territories. The Act binds the Crown and ensures its provisions do not contravene the Constitution, international agreements, or the rights of States. It also clarifies that the Act does not affect the rights of foreign vessels and aircraft under international law.
- The Act imposes several obligations on individuals and entities. For example, under Section 44 (Entry requirements), individuals entering Australia must comply with health screening and other entry requirements to prevent the introduction of listed human diseases. Operators of aircraft and vessels must provide contact information for individuals on board, as per Section 47. Section 120 requires individuals in possession of certain goods to provide additional information to biosecurity officers. Furthermore, Section 129 mandates that biosecurity officers may assess the level of biosecurity risk associated with goods and conveyances and require the implementation of biosecurity measures if necessary.
- The Act also outlines various offences and penalties for non-compliance. For example, Section 107 establishes that failing to comply with a human biosecurity control order is an offence, with penalties including imprisonment for up to 5 years or fines up to 300 penalty units. Similarly, Section 185 sets out offences for bringing or importing prohibited or suspended goods into Australia, with penalties including imprisonment for up to 5 years or fines up to 1,000 penalty units. Section 270 imposes penalties for discharging ballast water without proper management, with penalties including imprisonment for up to 2 years or fines up to 2,000 penalty units. Other offences and penalties are detailed throughout the Act, covering a wide range of biosecurity-related activities and ensuring compliance with Australia's biosecurity regulations.
- Area of Law
- Environmental Law
- International Law
- Health Law
- Instrument
- Act
- Concepts
- Commencement Provisions
- Delegated & Subordinate Legislation
- Civil Penalty Provisions
- Enforcement Powers
- Exemptions & Exclusions
- Offence Provisions
- Reporting & Disclosure Obligations
- Risk Assessment