Quarantine Regulations (Amendment)

Overview

The Statutory Rules 1922 No. 73, made under the Quarantine Act 1908-1920, were enacted to amend the Quarantine Regulations 1917. This legislative instrument was introduced to address the evolving challenges in managing the import of goods and livestock into Australia, particularly in the context of public health and agricultural safety. The amendments focus on extending quarantine periods for cattle and modifying the conditions under which hides and skins can be imported, thereby enhancing the regulatory framework to better control the spread of diseases. The enacting body was the Governor-General in and over the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and the policy objective was to update the regulatory measures to safeguard Australia's biosecurity interests.

Scope and Application

The Quarantine Regulations 1922, made under the Quarantine Act 1908-1920, apply to all persons and entities involved in the importation of cattle and hides or skins into Australia. The regulations impose specific quarantine conditions and requirements for these imports, which must be met to prevent the introduction and spread of animal diseases. The scope of the Act is national, with its provisions applying across all states and territories of Australia. The regulations specify that cattle from Great Britain and Ireland must be quarantined for 80 days, with conditions regarding their inspection and movement upon arrival. Additionally, the importation of hides and skins is subject to stringent conditions, which include disinfection requirements and certifications, depending on the country of origin. For instance, hides and skins from countries other than New Zealand and Norfolk Island must be accompanied by a declaration and certificate attesting to their disease-free status and effective disinfection. The regulations also mandate that hides and skins be transported directly to approved tanneries and treated as prescribed. Exemptions and special provisions are included for imports from New Zealand, which have less stringent requirements. The application of these regulations is further extended and refined through subordinate instruments, ensuring that they meet current health standards and effectively protect Australia’s biosecurity.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of this regulation concern amendments to the Quarantine Regulations 1917. Section 1 modifies the quarantine period for cattle from Great Britain and Ireland, extending it from 40 days to 80 days. Section 2 increases the period for which animals must be kept in quarantine from fourteen to sixty days. Section 3 replaces the word “muzzled” with “confined” in a regulation concerning animal restraints. Section 4 repeals a previous regulation and introduces new conditions for the importation of hides and skins. Specifically, hides and skins from countries other than New Zealand and Norfolk Island must be accompanied by a declaration and a certificate, and they must be disinfected or treated according to specific methods. Hides and skins from New Zealand require a declaration endorsed by a government veterinary surgeon. The master of the importing vessel must hold the hides and skins until a landing permit is received from a quarantine officer, and they must be transported directly to an approved tannery or treatment facility upon landing. The obligations imposed by these regulations include ensuring that cattle from Great Britain and Ireland are quarantined for 80 days. Owners or consignors of hides and skins from countries other than New Zealand and Norfolk Island must provide a declaration and a certificate attesting to the absence of certain diseases and effective disinfection. If disinfection is not performed before shipment, it must be carried out under the supervision of a quarantine officer upon arrival in Australia. The master of the importing vessel must hold the hides and skins until a landing permit is obtained, and they must be transported to an approved tannery or treatment facility. Tanners must enter into a bond ensuring that the hides and skins remain at the approved facility until treated according to regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in civil and criminal consequences. The specific penalties for breach are not stated in the text; however, the regulations suggest that non-compliance could lead to legal action. For example, importing hides or skins without the required declarations or certificates could result in fines or other penalties as determined by the appropriate authorities. Additionally, the bond entered into by tanners implies that failure to comply with treatment or storage requirements could lead to financial penalties or other legal consequences.