Quarantine (Animals) Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Quarantine (Animals) Regulations 2 (Amendment) Statutory Rules 1981 No. 276 was enacted in 1981 to address a gap in the existing regulatory framework concerning the transportation of Australian meat by overseas vessels. This legislative instrument was made under the authority of the Quarantine Act 1908 by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council. The primary objective of this amendment was to refine the definition of "meat" in relation to the precautions that the master of an overseas vessel must take when transporting Australian meat between Australian ports. By removing the previous definition and replacing it with a more precise one, the Regulations aim to enhance the oversight and safety measures associated with the transportation of meat, ensuring it meets the required quarantine standards.

Scope and Application

The Quarantine (Animals) Regulations 1981 (Amendment) applies to masters of overseas vessels carrying Australian meat on voyages between Australian ports, and pertains to the precautions that must be taken to ensure that the meat is transported in a manner that minimises the risk of introducing diseases or pests into Australia. These Regulations are made under the authority of the Quarantine Act 1908 and are applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia. The amendment specifically modifies the definition of "meat" in sub-regulation (9) of Regulation 95a, excluding meat or edible parts of animals that are contained in hermetically sealed cans, tins, or other approved sealed containers. The amendment aims to ensure that the transportation of Australian meat adheres to stringent quarantine measures to protect Australia's biosecurity. The Regulations extend their application through subordinate instruments and amendments as necessary to maintain the integrity of the quarantine system.

Key Provisions

The Quarantine (Animals) Regulations, as amended by Statutory Rules 1981 No. 2761, introduce several significant changes to the definition and treatment of meat carried by overseas vessels on voyages between Australian ports. Regulation 95a, in particular, redefines "meat" to exclude meat or edible parts of animals contained in hermetically sealed cans or tins or in hermetically sealed containers approved by the Director of Quarantine (section 2). This amendment aims to enhance the specificity and clarity of quarantine measures regarding the carriage of animal products, ensuring that the regulations target meat and edible parts of animals that are more susceptible to contamination or disease transmission. These Regulations impose specific obligations on the master of an overseas vessel carrying Australian meat. Under the amended Regulation 95a, the master must ensure that any meat or edible animal parts on board are appropriately contained in approved hermetically sealed containers. This requirement underscores the need for stringent controls to prevent the introduction of diseases and pests into Australia. The master must also ensure compliance with the Director of Quarantine’s guidelines regarding the sealing and handling of such products, ensuring that any risks are effectively mitigated during transport. Failure to comply with these Regulations may result in serious consequences. The Quarantine Act 1908 provides for both civil and criminal penalties for breaches of the Regulations. Individuals or entities found in breach may face fines, with the maximum penalty varying depending on the severity and intent behind the non-compliance. In cases of repeated or wilful violations, the penalties can escalate, potentially including imprisonment for individuals responsible for the oversight of the vessel’s cargo. These provisions are designed to enforce strict adherence to quarantine protocols, safeguarding Australia's biosecurity interests.