22Destruction or disposal of plants etc. at direction of Minister

22 Destruction or disposal of plants etc. at direction of Minister

(1) If any plant, plant product, plant vector, used package, used equipment, earth material or beehive is introduced into—

(a) Victoria; or

S. 22(1)(b) amended by No. 1/2024 s. 63.

(b) a control area declared by the Minister under section 19; or

(c) an infected place or restricted area—

contrary to any provision of this Act or an order made under this Act, the plant, plant product, plant vector, used package, used equipment, earth material or beehive may be treated, destroyed or otherwise disposed of as directed in writing by the Minister.

(2) The Minister must cause a copy of a direction under subsection (1) to be given to the owner or person apparently in charge of the plant, plant product, plant vector, used package, used equipment, earth material or beehive before the direction is carried out unless—

(a) the owner or person apparently in charge of the plant, plant product, plant vector, used package, used equipment, earth material or beehive cannot be found after reasonable search or inquiry; and

(b) the Minister considers that, in the circumstances, the direction must be carried out without prior notice to the owner or person apparently in charge.