28JExamining baggage and goods entering State

28J Examining baggage and goods entering State

(1)  An authorised officer may examine and search baggage and other goods entering the State if the officer reasonably believes that –

(a) a GMO or thing containing, or that may contain, a GMO has been or may have been imported into the State in contravention of this Part; or

(b) it is necessary to do so to prevent a GMO being introduced to a GMO-free area.

(2)  For the purposes of an examination, an authorised officer may –

(a) require a person entering the State to submit his or her baggage or goods for examination; and

(b) open the baggage or goods; and

(c) open any package or other container in the baggage or goods; and

(d) dismantle any thing if the authorised officer considers it necessary to do so for the purpose of determining whether or not a GMO or thing containing, or that may contain, a GMO is present; and

(e) examine, seize, make copies of or take extracts from any document in, on or accompanying the baggage or goods; and

(f) take photographs, films, video recordings, audio recordings and other recordings in relation to the examination; and

(g) operate mechanical, electrical and electronic equipment in relation to the examination or which comprises or is in, on or accompanying the baggage or goods; and

(h) undertake examinations, including destructive tests, for the purpose of determining whether or not a GMO or thing containing, or that may contain, a GMO is present in or on the baggage or goods; and

(i) exercise any other power an authorised officer may exercise under this Part.

(3)  If on conducting an examination the authorised officer discovers a thing he or she reasonably believes is a GMO or a thing he or she reasonably believes contains or may contain a GMO, the authorised officer may do any one or more of the following:

(a) remove the thing to, or place the thing in, an approved quarantine place;