Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements for Cruise Ships) Determination 2020

Administered by Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

Legislation au F2020L00267 Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements for Cruise Ships) Determination 2020

made under subsection 477(1) of the

Biosecurity Act 2015

Compilation No. 3

Compilation date: 2 September 2020

Includes amendments up to: F2020L01114

Registered: 8 September 2020

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements for Cruise Ships) Determination 2020 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 2 September 2020 (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. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Legislation Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments

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.

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. For more information on any modifications, see the series page on the Legislation Register for the compiled law.

Selfrepealing 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If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.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

Part 1—Preliminary

1 Name

3 Authority

4 Definitions

Part 2—Requirements

5 Requirement for cruise ships not to enter Australian territory or Australian ports

6 Foreign cruise ships to leave Australian territory

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

Part 1—Preliminary

 

1  Name

  This instrument is the Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements for Cruise Ships) Determination 2020.

3  Authority

  This instrument is made under subsection 477(1) of the Biosecurity Act 2015.

4  Definitions

Note: A number of expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Biosecurity Act 2015, including the following:

(a) Australian territory;

(b) foreign vessel;

(c) operator;

(d) passenger;

(e) port.

  In this instrument:

Collector has the same meaning as in the Customs Act 1901.

Note: See subsection 8(1) of that Act.

cruise ship means a vessel that:

 (a) has sleeping facilities for 100 or more passengers; and

 (b) is usually used to provide a service of sea transportation, being a service that:

 (i) is provided in return for a fee payable by persons using the service; and

 (ii) is available to the general public.

However, neither of the following is a cruise ship:

 (c) the vessel known as Spirit of Tasmania I (IMO Number 9158446; Australian General Register of Shipping number 857101);

 (d) the vessel known as Spirit of Tasmania II (IMO Number 9158434; Australian General Register of Shipping number 857102).

foreign cruise ship means a cruise ship that is a foreign vessel.

overnight voyage means a voyage that commences on a day and ends on any later day.

Part 2—Requirements

 

5  Requirement for cruise ships not to enter Australian territory or Australian ports

Cruise ships outside Australian territory to immediately leave if they enter Australian territory

 (1) The operator of a cruise ship that enters Australian territory on an overnight voyage must cause the ship to immediately leave Australian territory, unless:

 (a) there is in force permission given by a Collector for the ship:

 (i) to enter Australian territory; or

 (ii) to enter a port in Australian territory that the ship has not yet arrived at; or

 (b) the ship is exercising the right of innocent passage; or

 (c) the entry is necessary for the purpose of securing the safety of the ship or saving life at sea; or

 (d) the voyage commenced in Australian territory and is being conducted for the sole purpose of performing necessary maintenance to the ship.

Cruise ships in Australian territory not to enter port in Australian territory

 (2) The operator of a cruise ship that is on an overnight voyage and in Australian territory must cause the ship not to enter a port in Australian territory, unless:

 (a) there is in force permission given by a Collector for the ship to enter the port; or

 (b) the entry is necessary for the purpose of securing the safety of the ship or saving life at sea; or

 (c) the voyage commenced in Australian territory and is being conducted for the sole purpose of performing necessary maintenance to the ship.

Permissions—complying with conditions

 (3) If a permission mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) or (2)(a) is given subject to one or more conditions, the operator of the ship must cause the condition or conditions to be complied with.

6  Foreign cruise ships to leave Australian territory

 (1) The operator of a foreign cruise ship that is in Australian territory must cause the ship to leave Australian territory by the time that applies under subsection (2) or (3), unless:

 (a) there is in force a permission given by a Collector for the ship to remain in Australian territory for a period and that period has not ended; or

 (b) the ship is exercising the right of innocent passage; or

 (c) it is necessary for the ship to remain in Australian territory for the purpose of securing the safety of the ship or saving life at sea.

 (2) Unless subsection (3) applies, the time by which the ship must leave Australian territory is as soon as reasonably practicable (having regard to any need to refuel or reprovision the ship) after:

 (a) if the ship entered Australian territory or an Australian port in accordance with a permission given as mentioned in paragraph 5(1)(a) or (2)(a)—the disembarkation from the ship of all passengers at:

 (i) if the ship is at a port—that port; or

 (ii) if the ship is not at a port—the first port that the ship arrives at; or

 (b) in any other case—the ship’s entry into Australian territory.

 (3) If a permission is given as mentioned in paragraph (1)(a), then the time by which the ship must leave Australian territory is immediately after the end of the relevant period.

 (4) If a permission mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) is given subject to one or more conditions, the operator of the ship must cause the condition or conditions to be complied with.

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Editorial changes

The Legislation Act 2003 authorises First Parliamentary Counsel to make editorial and presentational changes to a compiled law in preparing a compilation of the law for registration. The changes must not change the effect of the law. Editorial changes take effect from the compilation registration date.

If the compilation includes editorial changes, the endnotes include a brief outline of the changes in general terms. Full details of any changes can be obtained from the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe the amendment to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, the amendment is incorporated into the compiled law and the abbreviation “(md)” added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the abbreviation “(md not incorp)” is added to the details of the amendment included in the amendment history.

 

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

 

ad = added or inserted

o = order(s)

am = amended

Ord = Ordinance

amdt = amendment

orig = original

c = clause(s)

par = paragraph(s)/subparagraph(s)

C[x] = Compilation No. x

/subsubparagraph(s)

Ch = Chapter(s)

pres = present

def = definition(s)

prev = previous

Dict = Dictionary

(prev…) = previously

disallowed = disallowed by Parliament

Pt = Part(s)

Div = Division(s)

r = regulation(s)/rule(s)

ed = editorial change

reloc = relocated

exp = expires/expired or ceases/ceased to have

renum = renumbered

effect

rep = repealed

F = Federal Register of Legislation

rs = repealed and substituted

gaz = gazette

s = section(s)/subsection(s)

LA = Legislation Act 2003

Sch = Schedule(s)

LIA = Legislative Instruments Act 2003

Sdiv = Subdivision(s)

(md) = misdescribed amendment can be given

SLI = Select Legislative Instrument

effect

SR = Statutory Rules

(md not incorp) = misdescribed amendment

SubCh = SubChapter(s)

cannot be given effect

SubPt = Subpart(s)

mod = modified/modification

underlining = whole or part not

No. = Number(s)

commenced or to be commenced

 

Endnote 3—Legislation history

 

Name

Registration

Commencement

Application, saving and transitional provisions

Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements) Determination 2020

18 Mar 2020 (F2020L00267)

18 Mar 2020 (s 2(1) item 1)

 

Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements) Amendment Determination (No. 1) 2020

27 Mar 2020 (F2020L00339)

27 Mar 2020 (s 2(1) item 1)

Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements) Amendment Determination (No. 2) 2020

20 May 2020 (F2020L00594)

21 May 2020 (s 2(1) item 1)

Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements for Cruise Ships) Amendment (No. 1) Determination 2020

1 Sept 2020 (F2020L01114)

2 Sept 2020 (s 2(1) item 1)

 

Endnote 4—Amendment history

 

Provision affected

How affected

Part 1

 

s 1.....................

am F2020L00594

s 2.....................

rep LA s 48D

s 4.....................

am F2020L00339; F2020L00594; F2020L01114

Part 2

 

s 5.....................

rs F2020L00339

 

am F2020L00594; F2020L01114

s 6.....................

ad F2020L00339

 

am F2020L00594; F2020L01114

 

Overview

The Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements for Cruise Ships) Determination 2020 was enacted under subsection 477(1) of the Biosecurity Act 2015 by the Governor-General. The legislation was introduced to address the immediate need to prevent the spread of the human coronavirus with pandemic potential, specifically in relation to cruise ships entering Australian territory. It was enacted by the Australian Government in response to the global pandemic, aiming to safeguard public health by controlling the movement of cruise ships that could potentially carry the virus. The Determination mandates strict measures to ensure that cruise ships do not enter Australian territory or its ports unless under specific conditions, such as for the purpose of saving life at sea or for necessary maintenance. This legislative instrument was created to provide an immediate and effective response to the emergency situation posed by the pandemic, ensuring the protection of the Australian population from the risks associated with the international travel of cruise ships.

Scope and Application

The Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements for Cruise Ships) Determination 2020 applies to cruise ships and their operators, with a focus on preventing the spread of a human coronavirus with pandemic potential within Australian territory. This legislation falls under the purview of the Biosecurity Act 2015 and is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia. The determination mandates that cruise ships must not enter Australian territory or its ports unless specific conditions are met, such as permission from a Collector, exercising the right of innocent passage, or in cases of necessity for safety or maintenance. Foreign cruise ships are required to leave Australian territory within specified timeframes, and operators must comply with any conditions set by a Collector. This legislation does not apply to certain vessels, namely the Spirit of Tasmania I and II. The application and scope of the determination can be further defined and modified through subordinate instruments as necessary.

Key Provisions

The Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements for Cruise Ships) Determination 2020, made under subsection 477(1) of the Biosecurity Act 2015, outlines specific requirements for cruise ships in response to the human coronavirus with pandemic potential. This determination applies to cruise ships that meet the criteria of having sleeping facilities for 100 or more passengers and providing sea transportation services for a fee to the general public. Excluded from this definition are the vessels Spirit of Tasmania I and Spirit of Tasmania II. The key provisions of the determination require that cruise ships not enter Australian territory or Australian ports without specific permissions, and that foreign cruise ships leave Australian territory under certain conditions. The obligations imposed on the parties by this determination include immediate departure from Australian territory for cruise ships entering without permission, except under specified conditions such as the right of innocent passage or the necessity to save life at sea. Operators of cruise ships in Australian territory must also ensure that these ships do not enter Australian ports unless they have permission or if it is necessary for safety or maintenance reasons. If permissions are granted, they must be subject to compliance with any specified conditions. Additionally, foreign cruise ships must leave Australian territory by a specified time unless they have permission to remain or are exercising the right of innocent passage. The determination imposes specific offences and penalties for breaches of the requirements. Operators who fail to comply with the requirements to leave Australian territory or enter ports without permission may face enforcement actions by the Australian Border Force or other relevant authorities. Although the specific penalties are not detailed in the determination, such breaches could potentially lead to significant civil or criminal consequences, including fines or imprisonment, under the Biosecurity Act 2015 and other applicable laws. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as well as any additional provisions or regulations that might apply.

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Area of Law
Environmental Law
Instrument
Legislative Instrument
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Regulatory Standards
Enforcement Powers
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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.