153Audit frequency policy

153 Audit frequency policy

(1)  An accreditation authority that, as part of its functions, may require a compliance audit is required to adopt a policy in relation to the frequency of audits which may be performed for the purposes of this Act.

(2)  An audit frequency policy adopted by an accreditation authority other than the Secretary has no effect unless it has been approved in writing by the Secretary.

(3)  Despite subsection (2) , the approval of the Secretary is not required for any amendment to an audit frequency policy if the accreditation authority adopting the policy certifies that the amendment –

(a) is minor in nature or for the purpose of correcting an error or updating a reference; or

(b)  is necessary to reflect a change of –

(i) a course of study including a continuing professional development course; or

(ii) a qualification required; or

(iii) the provider of a course or qualification.

(4)  An audit frequency policy may make provision for, or in respect of, the following matters:

(a) the frequency of compliance audits;

(b) any other prescribed matters.

(5)  An audit frequency policy is to be publicly available.

(6)  An audit frequency policy may apply generally or apply differently according to different factors of a specified kind, including but not limited to the following:

(a) the type of biosecurity matter involved;

(b) the type of activity involved and the level of biosecurity risk associated with that activity;

(c) the class of biosecurity registration or accreditation involved (if any).

(7)  An accreditation authority may adopt an accreditation policy for each different type of accreditation.

(8)  In this Act, a reference to an audit frequency policy is taken to be a reference to the audit frequency policy that is relevant to the audit concerned.