144Biosecurity auditor to provide immediate report in certain circumstances

144 Biosecurity auditor to provide immediate report in certain circumstances

(1)  A biosecurity auditor must report to the Secretary if, during a biosecurity audit, the biosecurity auditor becomes aware of, or suspects, any of the following occurrences:

(a) any instance of critical non-compliance by the audit target;

(b) that a biosecurity certificate has been issued that is false or misleading in a material particular;

(c) that a person is in possession of biosecurity matter in contravention of this Act;

(d) the occurrence or likely occurrence of a biosecurity event;

(e) any occurrence of a kind prescribed by the regulations.

(2)  A report under subsection (1) must be given orally to the Secretary –

(a) as soon as possible; and

(b) no later than 24 hours after the biosecurity auditor becomes aware of the occurrence.

(3)  A biosecurity auditor must give the Secretary a written copy of a report under subsection (1) within 5 days after becoming aware of the matter.

(4)  For the purposes of this Act, the requirement to make a report under this section is taken to be a condition of appointment for each biosecurity auditor appointed under this Act.