Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007

In ForceWA

Jurisdiction

Western Australia

Collection

act

Plain English Summary

8/10 complexity

What this law does, in plain language

This Act sets rules for preventing, detecting and managing organisms (plants, animals, microbes and related things) that could harm other life, people, the environment or agricultural and fishing businesses in Western Australia (s3). It also regulates the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals, sets quality and safety standards for agricultural products and animal feed, and establishes funding and enforcement tools to pay for and carry out those activities (s3, Part 3, Part 6).

Mechanically, the Act works through three linked parts: 1) declarations and permits that control what organisms may be present or imported (permitted, prohibited and unlisted organisms — ss11–16); 2) regulatory and operational powers to inspect, detain, treat, remove or destroy organisms and contaminated goods, and to issue binding notices requiring owners and carriers to act (Parts 2 and 4, especially ss22–31, 65, 73–79); and 3) finance and administrative arrangements that raise and spend money for biosecurity activity (rates, accounts, industry schemes and penalty receipts — Part 6).

Who decides and who pays

The Minister decides which organisms are permitted, prohibited or declared pests, and may issue management plans and codes of practice that impose obligations (ss11, 12, 22, 45, 191). The Minister must consult certain Ministers and may consult the Biosecurity Council before some declarations (s13, s22(4)).
The Director General (the department head) implements decisions, issues import permits, gives pest exclusion, control and keeping notices, directs inspectors, takes remedial action, and can recover costs (ss16, 27, 31, 36, 38, 94). Inspectors exercise on‑the‑ground powers (s162, s65).

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What it does

The Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (WA) is the primary legislative framework for managing biosecurity risks and regulating agricultural activities in Western Australia. Its objects, set out in section 3, are to provide effective biosecurity and agriculture management by controlling the entry, establishment, spread and impact of organisms that have or may have an adverse effect on other organisms, human beings, the environment, or agricultural, fishing, pearling and related commercial activities. The Act also controls the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals, establishes safety and quality standards for agricultural products, and raises funds for biosecurity-related purposes. Critically, section 3(2) provides that nothing in the Act empowers the regulation of diseases which affect only human health. The Act creates a three-tier organism classification system: permitted organisms (section 11), prohibited organisms (section 12), and unlisted organisms (section 14). It imposes strict import restrictions (section 15), establishes duties to control declared pests (section 30) and to report their presence (section 26), and provides a comprehensive inspection and enforcement regime under Part 4. The Act also establishes the Western Australian Agriculture Authority (Part 7 Division 1), the Biosecurity Council (Part 2 Division 6), and several financial accounts including the Declared Pest Account (Part 6 Division 1), industry funding schemes (Division 2), and the Modified Penalties Revenue Account (Division 3). It allows for the making of regulations (section 188) and management plans (section 45), and provides for codes of practice (section 191). The Act binds the Crown (section 5) and operates in addition to a list of other specified Acts (section 4), with the latter prevailing in case of inconsistency except for section 40(3) on supply of pest control materials.

Current sections

Direct links to the current provisions in Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007.

Authorised Version

The authorised version of this legislation is published by the jurisdiction's legislation service. Follow the link below to read or download it from the official source.

View on official register

Sourced from the Western Australian Legislation website (legislation.wa.gov.au). Not the authorised version.

The Act claims to provide “effective biosecurity and agriculture management” by controlling entry, establishment, spread and impact of harmful organisms, controlling chemicals and establishing standards and funding (s3(1)). That is implemented by declaring prohibited/declared pests, regulating imports, authorising inspections and remedial actions, and creating funding mechanisms (ss11–16, 22–31, 65, 73–79, Part 6).
Costs and who bears them: private parties bear direct compliance costs (permits, record‑keeping, surveillance, treatment) and potential liability for remedial costs and fines if they fail to comply (ss16, 26, 30, 38, 94–99, penalty provisions throughout). Landowners in prescribed areas may bear rates for declared‑pest work; rates are capped and subject to consultation and valuation rules (ss130–136). The Consolidated Account is also charged to reflect rates as appropriations (s139), so taxpayers indirectly bear some costs.
Incentives and trade‑offs: the Act creates incentives for importers and owners to avoid non‑compliant imports and to control pests (inspection, seizure and cost recovery powers — ss65, 73, 94). It also permits cost recovery and land charges (ss95–101), shifting the financial burden to responsible owners where remedial action is required. That changes incentives over land use, movement of goods and biosecurity practices.
Compliance burden and administrative discretion: many operational details are left to regulations, management plans, codes of practice and decisions by the Minister and Director General (ss188–191, 45, 157). This centralises discretion in the executive and in delegated instruments; the Act provides administrative review routes (Director General review and State Administrative Tribunal review) for many decisions but allows the regulations to exclude review in emergency circumstances (ss36–38, 74–75, 78–80, 83, 86; see repeated references to regulations permitting exceptions).
Effects on private enterprise, contracts and markets: the Act restricts movement and supply of organisms and potential carriers (ss15, 23–25, Schedule 1 items 7, 9, 13). It permits making some agreements void if they attempt to exclude the Act’s application as to chemical treatment of products (s58), which reduces contractual freedom in that sphere. Industry funding schemes can require producer contributions and create accounts for compensation or control programs (ss141–146), reallocating costs within sectors.
Risk of concentrated benefits and diffuse costs: the Declared Pest Account and industry schemes channel funds to biosecurity activity and may be set up for specific sectors or areas (Part 6, ss137–145). The Act allows targeted rates and transfers to recognised biosecurity groups (ss130–138, 170), concentrating funds on particular problems. Those benefits are financed by specified landholders, contributors to prescribed accounts, penalty revenue, and appropriations; costs are therefore focused on particular land classes or sectors while benefits (general protection) are more diffuse (ss130–138, 144–145, 148–149).
Implementation risks and opportunity costs: the Act depends on administrative capacity—inspectors, quarantine facilities, management plans, and information systems—and on the making of regulations and codes to fill many technical gaps (ss159–161, 165–167, 188–191). Delays or choices in rule‑making and resourcing can affect effectiveness. The Act’s power to adopt external codes or legislation by reference (s190) reduces the need to legislate technical detail but shifts dependence to those external instruments.

Main concepts

Central to the Act is the concept of an organism, defined broadly in section 6 to include any living thing except a human being or part of a human being, as well as prions or other prescribed organic agents that can cause disease, and any disease itself. Biosecurity is defined as protection from the adverse effect an organism has or may have on another organism, a human being, the environment, or agricultural, fishing or pearling activities. The Act classifies organisms into three categories. Permitted organisms are those declared under section 11 by the Minister after consultation (section 13). Prohibited organisms are declared under section 12 if there are reasonable grounds for believing they have or may have an adverse effect on the listed matters. Unlisted organisms (section 14) are those that are neither permitted nor declared pests. A declared pest is either a prohibited organism (automatically a declared pest for the whole State under section 22(1)) or an organism declared under section 22(2) for a specified area. Declared pests may be assigned to a category (section 22(3)). The Act introduces the concept of a high impact organism , a prohibited organism prescribed as such under section 189, requiring Ministerial advice that it has potential to cause severe damage and is not present, eradicated or under effective control. Other key defined terms include contaminated (section 7), which turns on exceeding maximum residue limits or being in prescribed circumstances; potential carrier (anything capable of carrying an organism, or anything capable of carrying that thing); animal feed (section 9); owner of land (section 8 for most purposes, section 129 for rate provisions); and occupier. The Act also defines import (bringing into WA), export, supply, and treat (including disinfect, isolate, vaccinate). The Biosecurity Council (section 48) is a statutory advisory body. The Authority (WA Agriculture Authority, section 150) is a body corporate governed by the Minister, with broad powers under section 152 including property dealings and participation in business concerns subject to Treasurer approval (section 153). Inspection purposes (section 64) cover searching for regulated things, checking compliance, and seizing evidence. Entry warrants (Part 4 Division 3) are required for entry to dwellings without consent.

Who it affects

The Act imposes obligations on a wide range of persons. Landowners and occupiers are primary duty-holders: the owner or occupier of land in an area where an organism is a declared pest must take prescribed control measures if the pest is present or likely to be present (section 30(3)). They may also receive pest control notices (section 31), pest exclusion notices (section 27), and residue management notices (section 52). The definition of owner in section 8 extends to fee simple holders, lessees, persons entitled to Crown grants, and relevant public authorities. Importers are affected by Part 2 Division 2: they must not import prohibited organisms except under an import permit (section 15(1)), and must not import unlisted organisms except under permit (section 15(2)). Import of prescribed potential carriers is also restricted (section 15(3)). Importers must report and present imports (section 21). Commercial carriers (section 20) and commercial passenger carriers (section 19) have obligations regarding informing passengers, providing secure facilities, and disposing of deposited organisms. Producers and suppliers are affected by the duty to control declared pests on their stock or crops (section 30(2)), the prohibition on dealing with declared pests without authorisation (section 23), and restrictions on introducing or supplying declared pests to other areas (section 24). Veterinarians and analysts are not excused from reporting a declared pest even if discovered professionally (section 26(3)). Persons dealing with chemical products must hold required qualifications and comply with regulatory requirements (section 56). Officers of bodies corporate may be criminally liable for certain offences under section 110 (by application of the Criminal Code section 39, as per the Table). Employers may be charged for offences of employees (section 112) and principals for acts of agents (section 111). Public authorities are subject to compliance statements (section 186) and may assist owners (section 41). Local governments may make local laws about pest plants (section 193). Industry participants in prescribed sectors may contribute to industry funding schemes (Part 6 Division 2). Pensioners may claim postponement of rates under section 136. The State Administrative Tribunal has review jurisdiction over many decisions (e.g., sections 28, 34, 37, 54, 74, 75, 78, 80, 83, 86). Mortgagees must be notified of charges on land (section 103). The Registrar of Titles registers memorials and notifications (Part 4 Division 7).

Key duties and rights

The Act imposes several core duties. Duty to report a declared pest: section 26(1) requires any person who finds or suspects a declared pest in an area for which it is declared to report it to the Director General or an inspector, within the prescribed period or as soon as practicable. This applies even if the discovery was made in a professional capacity (subsection (3)). Penalties are up to $20,000, or $100,000 and 12 months imprisonment for a high impact organism. Duty to control declared pests: section 30(2) requires the owner or person in control of an infected or infested organism or thing to take prescribed control measures. Section 30(3) requires the owner or occupier of land (or a person conducting an activity on it) to take such measures if the pest is present or likely to be present. It is a defence if the person did not know and could not reasonably have known (section 30(6)). Duty to comply with notices: pest exclusion notices (section 29), pest control notices (section 32), pest keeping notices (section 35), residue management notices (section 52), and treatment or destruction notices (section 79) all create binding obligations. Failure attracts penalties. Duty to comply with import controls: section 15 imposes strict prohibitions, and sections 17 and 18 make it an offence to supply or possess an unlawfully imported organism or potential carrier if the person knows or ought to know. Duty to present imports: section 21 requires an importer to present the organism or potential carrier to an inspector if required, produce an import permit, and give relevant information. Duty to keep records and provide information: for chemicals (section 56(6)), and generally under directions from inspectors (Part 4). Duty of commercial carriers: sections 19 and 20 require notice and secure facilities. Duty of occupier to inform owner: section 176(3) requires an occupier who receives a document to inform the owner as soon as practicable. Rights include: the right to apply for an import permit (section 16); the right to request internal review of a pest control or pest keeping notice (section 36); the right to apply to the State Administrative Tribunal for review of many decisions (e.g., sections 28, 34, 37, 54, 74, 78, 80, 83, 86); the right to have a residue management notice reviewed and cancelled (section 53); the right to be informed before entry to a non-dwelling place (section 65(3), subject to exceptions); the right to claim exemption from rates as a pensioner (section 136); and the right to claim compensation from industry funding schemes where regulations provide (section 145). Section 58 gives purchasers a right to avoid agreements that purport to exclude the Act’s application to chemical treatment.

Penalties and enforcement

The Act provides a graduated enforcement pyramid. Criminal penalties: maximum fines vary by offence. Importing a prohibited organism (section 15(1)) is punishable by a fine of $50,000, rising to $100,000 and 12 months imprisonment for a high impact organism. Supplying an unlawful import (section 17) and possessing an unlawful import (section 18) carry similar tiered penalties. Dealing with a declared pest without authorisation (section 23) attracts $50,000 or $100,000 with imprisonment for high impact organisms. Failure to comply with a pest control notice (section 32) is $50,000 or $100,000 with imprisonment. The adulteration offences in Part 3 Division 3 (sections 60, 61, 62) all carry $100,000 and 12 months imprisonment. Continuing offences attract daily penalties of $1,000 for an individual and $5,000 for a body corporate (section 108). Infringement notices (Part 5 Division 4) allow inspectors to issue on-the-spot fines for prescribed offences, with a modified penalty not exceeding 20% of the maximum court penalty (Schedule 1 item 53). Payment prevents prosecution (section 128). Injunctions: section 109 allows the Director General to apply to the Supreme Court or District Court for an injunction restraining a person from committing an offence or compelling compliance; interim injunctions may be granted without an undertaking as to damages. Remedial action by the Director General: if a person fails to comply with a pest exclusion, pest control, or pest keeping notice, or with directions under sections 76, 77, 79 or 84, the Director General may take remedial action (sections 38, 87) and recover the cost. That cost becomes a charge on the land under section 95, with priority over other charges (section 96). The Director General may exercise a power of sale as a last resort (section 98). Seizure and destruction: inspectors may seize and detain organisms or potential carriers under section 73, and may treat, destroy or forfeit them to the Crown (section 73(2)). Review is available to SAT (sections 74, 75). Recall: section 84 empowers the Director General to require recall of a prohibited organism or a recallable substance (infected, infested or contaminated). Non-compliance is an offence. Prosecution may only be commenced by the Director General or authorised person (section 104), within 5 years of the offence or of evidence coming to light (section 105). Liability extensions: officers of bodies corporate (section 110), employers (section 112), and principals (section 111) may be charged for offences committed by employees or agents, with a defence of taking reasonable precautions. The Act also provides for costs of analysis (section 107) and ancillary orders on conviction (section 106), such as ordering notification or remediation.

How it interacts with other laws

Section 4(1) provides that the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Rates and Charges Act 2007, the Land Tax Assessment Act 2002 (for rates assessment), and the Taxation Administration Act 2003 (for rates payable under Part 6 Division 1 Subdivision 2) must be read with this Act as if they formed a single Act. Section 4(2) lists Acts to which the provisions of this Act are in addition: the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Western Australia) Act 1995, the Animal Welfare Act 2002, the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, the Environmental Protection Act 1986, the Exotic Diseases of Animals Act 1993, the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1911, the Public Health Act 2016, the Food Act 2008, the Medicines and Poisons Act 2014, and the Police Act 1892. Under section 4(3), if a provision of this Act is inconsistent with a provision of any of those Acts, the latter provision prevails, except as provided in section 40(3) (which allows the Director General to supply poison despite the Medicines and Poisons Act 2014). The Act also interacts with the Transfer of Land Act 1893 regarding registration of charges and notifications (Part 4 Division 7). The Taxation Administration Act 2003 applies to the assessment and collection of rates under Part 6 Division 1 Subdivision 2 (section 135). The Land Tax Assessment Act 2002 sections 6-9, 12, 13 and 43 are applied with modifications (section 135(4)). The Criminal Code section 39 is applied to specified offences by section 110. The Interpretation Act 1984 applies to management plans as subsidiary legislation (section 47) and to rate determinations (section 130(7)). The Financial Management Act 2006 governs the operating accounts for the Declared Pest Account, prescribed accounts, and the Modified Penalties Revenue Account (sections 137, 142, 148). The Valuation of Land Act 1978 provides the unimproved value for rate calculations (section 133). The Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 is relevant for management plans involving native animals (section 45(5)(b)). The Fish Resources Management Act 1994 and Pearling Act 1990 are relevant for fish and pearl oysters (definitions, and Minister for Fisheries approval for aquatic management plans). The Act also anticipates arrangements with corresponding authorities under section 183, allowing recognition of import certificates, inspection facilities, and payment for services. Section 190 allows regulations and management plans to adopt codes or subsidiary legislation from other Australian jurisdictions. Local governments may make local laws under section 193 consistent with the Local Government Act 1995.

Amendment history

The Act received Royal Assent on 12 October 2007 (No. 23 of 2007) and has been brought into operation progressively by proclamation. The original commencement table shows provisions commencing on multiple dates: Part 1 (except sections 1 and 2), Part 2 Division 6, Part 7 Division 1 and sections 181 and 187 commenced on 24 October 2007. Sections 22, Parts 4 and 5, Part 6 Division 1 Subdivision 1, Divisions 2 and 3, Part 7 Divisions 2, 3 and 6, section 182, Part 8 (except section 193) and Schedule 1 commenced on 22 May 2010. Part 6 Division 1 Subdivision 3 and Part 7 Division 5 commenced on 12 February 2011. Part 6 Division 1 Subdivision 2 commenced on 23 November 2011. Sections 27-32, 36-39, 43 and Part 2 Division 5 commenced on 10 October 2012. The remaining provisions (Part 2 Divisions 1 and 2, sections 23-26, 33-35, 40-42 and 44, Part 3, Part 7 Division 4, sections 183-186 and 193, and Part 9) commenced on 1 May 2013. Subsequent amendments include: Health Practitioner Regulation National Law (WA) Act 2010 (No. 35 of 2010) , modified section 118 and the definition of veterinarian; Public Sector Reform Act 2010 (No. 39 of 2010) , amended section 48; Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Amendment Act 2010 (No. 46 of 2010) , amended section 138; Statutes (Repeals and Minor Amendments) Act 2011 (No. 47 of 2011) , amended section 186; Road Traffic Legislation Amendment Act 2012 (No. 8 of 2012) , updated vehicle and owner definitions; Medicines and Poisons Act 2014 (No. 13 of 2014) , amended sections 4 and 40; Public Health (Consequential Provisions) Act 2016 (No. 19 of 2016) , amended sections 4 and 184; Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (No. 24 of 2016) , amended sections 4, 22, 45, 184; Local Government Legislation Amendment Act 2016 (No. 26 of 2016) , amended section 6; Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Repeal Act 2016 (No. 34 of 2016) , amended section 4; Taxation Administration Amendment Act 2019 (No. 11 of 2019) , amended section 139; Veterinary Practice Act 2021 (No. 19 of 2021) , amended sections 6, 26, 118 and Schedule 1; Directors’ Liability Reform Act 2023 (No. 9 of 2023) , replaced section 110 with a table-based approach. Several uncommenced provisions remain, including parts of the Public Health (Consequential Provisions) Act 2016, the Aquatic Resources Management Act 2016, the Petroleum Legislation Amendment Act 2024, and the Evidence Act 2025.

Litigation history

The Act itself does not record specific case law. However, the Act provides extensive avenues for judicial and merits review. The State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) has jurisdiction to review a broad range of administrative decisions under the Act, including: directions in pest exclusion notices (section 28); determinations on cost apportionment (section 34); decisions to give pest control or pest keeping notices and internal review decisions (section 37); decisions to give residue management notices or not to cancel them (section 54); seizure decisions (section 74); forfeiture declarations (section 75); directions to treat, destroy or dispose under section 77 (section 78); treatment or destruction notices under section 79 (section 80); directions to remove from the State (section 83); and recall notices (section 86). In some cases, the regulations may prescribe emergency circumstances where SAT review is excluded (e.g., sections 28(2), 37(2), 74(4), 78(4), 80(4), 83(3), 86(4)). Section 78(2) and 80(2) provide that commencement of review proceedings operates as a stay of a destruction direction, but the SAT may make interim orders under the State Administrative Tribunal Act 2004. The Act also empowers the Supreme Court and District Court to grant injunctions under section 109, and the court may make ancillary orders on conviction under section 106. Prosecutions must be commenced within 5 years (section 105). Evidentiary provisions in Part 5 Division 3 create presumptions that ease proof for the prosecution, including as to place of offence (section 115), purpose or intent (section 117), authorisation matters (section 118), and scientific matters (section 119). These provisions have been used in practice to establish elements without direct evidence. While no cases are cited in the Act, the existence of a 10-yearly review requirement (section 194) indicates Parliament intended the operation and effectiveness to be evaluated, including adequacy of penalties. The litigation history would be found in reported decisions of SAT, the District Court, and Supreme Court under these provisions; practitioners should search those databases for decisions on pest control notices, seizure challenges, and rate assessments.

Gotchas

Several provisions create traps for practitioners and regulated persons. Self-incrimination: section 93(1) provides that a person is not excused from giving information to an inspector on the ground of self-incrimination, but the information is not admissible against them except in proceedings for perjury or giving false information (section 93(2)). However, this protection only applies if the person objects on that ground. Liability of officers and employers: section 110 applies the Criminal Code section 39 to offences listed in the Table, making officers liable for body corporate offences unless they prove lack of knowledge and due diligence. Sections 111 and 112 make principals and employers liable for the acts of agents and employees even if the act was contrary to instructions, subject to a defence of taking all reasonable measures. Burden of proof: section 114 places the onus on the defendant to prove exemption, lawful excuse, authority, or that they were not in the State. Presumptions: sections 115-123 create reverse onuses on many factual matters, including that a person named on a container as seller is the seller (section 116), that an act occurred for a specified purpose or with specified intent (section 117), and that an organism is of a particular kind (section 120). Consent for dwelling entry: an inspector may only enter a dwelling without a warrant if the person apparently in control consents, and the inspector must inform them of the right to refuse (section 65(1)(c) and (2)). Entry without consent requires an entry warrant under Part 4 Division 3. Use of force: section 91 allows an inspector to use assistance and force reasonably necessary, but if it is likely to cause significant property damage, the inspector needs the Director General’s authority. Service of documents: documents relating to land may be served by affixing to the land for 14 days and posting to the owner (section 174). Service by publication in a newspaper is possible if address cannot be discovered (section 173(2)). A failure to inform the owner by an occupier who receives a document is an offence punishable by a $2,000 fine (section 176(3)). Binding of subsequent owners: section 179 provides that documents bind successive owners and occupiers. Residue management notices: section 52(6) makes them binding on successive owners while a notification remains registered. Charge on land: section 95 creates a charge even before registration, and it has priority over other charges except other statutory first charges registered earlier (section 96). The Director General may exercise a power of sale only after exhausting other means (section 98(4)). Void agreements: section 58 voids any agreement that purports to exclude the Act’s application to chemical treatment, and such agreements are also voidable by the purchaser if certain requirements are not met. Compliance statements: section 186 requires the Director General to prepare semi-annual statements on public authorities’ failure to comply with pest exclusion notices or control duties, to be included in the department’s annual report. This creates a public naming-and-shaming mechanism. Immunity from tort: section 187 provides that an action in tort does not lie against an official (Minister, Authority, Director General, inspector, or employee) for anything done in good faith in performance of functions.

How to comply

Compliance with the Act requires a systematic approach across several areas. Determine organism status: before importing, moving, or dealing with any organism, check the lists maintained under section 158 (permitted organisms, prohibited organisms, declared pests and their areas) on the department’s electronic site (section 159-161). If an organism is not on the permitted list, it is either prohibited or unlisted; import of unlisted organisms requires an import permit (section 15(2)). Obtain necessary authorisations: apply for an import permit under section 16 before importing any prohibited or unlisted organism or prescribed potential carrier. Ensure any required qualifications or authorisations for dealing with chemical products are held (section 56). Report declared pests: if you find or suspect a declared pest in an area where it is declared, report it to the Director General or an inspector as soon as practicable (section 26). This duty applies to everyone, including veterinarians and analysts (section 26(3)). Control declared pests: if you are an owner or occupier of land, or in control of an infected organism or thing, take the prescribed control measures required under regulations or a management plan (section 30). Check if a management plan is in force for the area (section 45). Comply with notices: if you receive a pest exclusion notice, pest control notice, pest keeping notice, residue management notice, or a direction from an inspector, comply within the specified period. Failure can lead to fines, remedial action at your cost, and a charge on your land (sections 38, 94-95). You have rights to seek internal review (section 36) and SAT review (sections 28, 37, 54 etc.), but do not delay compliance while seeking review unless a stay is obtained. Keep records: maintain records of chemical product acquisition, use, storage, handling, and transport as required by regulations (section 56(6)). Keep records of any imports, including permits and declarations. Label and identify: ensure organisms, agricultural products, and potential carriers are properly labelled and identified as required by regulations or inspector directions (section 67(1)(j)). Facilitate inspections: allow inspectors to enter your premises (except dwellings without consent or warrant), provide requested information and records, and comply with directions to move animals or conveyances to inspection points (Part 4 Division 2). Pay rates and contributions: if you are an owner of land in a prescribed area, pay rates determined under Part 6 Division 1 Subdivision 2 to the Commissioner. If you are in a prescribed industry sector, pay contributions under an industry funding scheme (Part 6 Division 2). Stay informed: consult the department’s electronic site for current lists, codes of practice, management plans, and regulatory changes (section 160). The Act requires a review every 10 years (section 194), so be alert for amendments. Use legal advice: when in doubt about whether a particular organism is a declared pest or how to comply with a notice, seek legal advice. The Act’s strict liability offences and reverse onus provisions make ignorance an unreliable defence (section 30(6) provides a limited defence for lack of knowledge but requires proof).