NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA
PLANT HEALTH ACT 2008
As in force at 1 May 2015
Table of provisions
Part 1 Introduction
1 Short title ......................................................................................... 1
2 Commencement .............................................................................. 1
3 Objects of Act .................................................................................. 1
4 Act binds Crown .............................................................................. 1
5 Definitions ........................................................................................ 1
6 Pest ................................................................................................. 3
7 Control of pest ................................................................................. 4
8 Host plant ........................................................................................ 4
9 Owner .............................................................................................. 4
10 Plant-related material ...................................................................... 5
11 Affected by pest ............................................................................... 5
12 Application of Criminal Code ........................................................... 5
Part 2 Control of pests
Division 1 Obligations about plants and plant-related
materials
13 Prevention of infestation .................................................................. 6
14 Prevention of spreading ................................................................... 6
15 Notification about pest ..................................................................... 7
16 Requirements about affected plant and material ............................. 7
17 Requirements about specified plant and material ............................ 8
18 Quarantine place ........................................................................... 10
19 Treatment or disposal – owners generally ..................................... 11
20 Treatment or disposal – specific owner ......................................... 12
21 Failure of owner to act ................................................................... 13
Division 2 Inspectors' powers
22 Powers relating to search and seizure ........................................... 13
23 Notice for entry to a place .............................................................. 15
24 Obligations of owners .................................................................... 16
25 Requirement to give information .................................................... 16
26 Self-incrimination ........................................................................... 17
27 Signs and barriers ......................................................................... 17
28 Markings ........................................................................................ 18
Section 1 - Plant Health Act 2008 - Plant Health Act 2008 | Zoe
Plant Health Act 2008 ii
Division 3 Plant health management plans
29 Object of Division ........................................................................... 18
30 What is a plant health management plan ...................................... 18
31 Preparation of plan ........................................................................ 19
32 Notification ..................................................................................... 19
33 Making of plan ............................................................................... 19
34 Review ........................................................................................... 20
35 Compliance.................................................................................... 20
Part 3 Certification of plant health
Division 1 Inspection certificates
36 Giving of certificate ........................................................................ 21
Division 2 Accredited production places
37 Declaration for accredited production place .................................. 21
Division 3 Plant health assurance schemes
38 Object of Division ........................................................................... 22
39 Schemes and assurance certificates under scheme ..................... 22
40 Establishing schemes .................................................................... 23
41 Accredited persons ........................................................................ 23
42 Accreditation conditions ................................................................. 24
43 Register of accredited persons ...................................................... 24
44 Offences about assurance certificates........................................... 24
45 Agreements with other jurisdictions for certificates ........................ 25
Part 4 Administration
Division 1 Minister
46 Power of exemption ....................................................................... 26
Division 2 Chief Inspector
47 Appointment .................................................................................. 26
48 Directions....................................................................................... 26
49 Approved forms ............................................................................. 26
50 Powers and functions of inspector ................................................. 26
51 Delegation ..................................................................................... 27
52 Acting Chief Inspector ................................................................... 27
Division 3 Inspectors
53 Appointment .................................................................................. 27
Plant Health Act 2008 iii
54 Identity card ................................................................................... 27
55 Receipts......................................................................................... 28
56 Report to Chief Inspector ............................................................... 28
57 Reasonable force and assistance.................................................. 28
Division 4 Reconsideration of decisions
58 Right to seek reconsideration ........................................................ 29
59 Procedure for reconsideration ....................................................... 29
Division 5 Other offences
60 Obstruction and failure to comply with requirement ....................... 30
61 Interference with or damage to things used by inspector .............. 31
62 Misleading information and document ........................................... 32
63 Continuing offence......................................................................... 33
Division 6 Other matters
64 Aboriginal land ............................................................................... 33
65 Management system must be taken into account.......................... 33
66 Giving notice .................................................................................. 34
67 Criminal liability of executive officer of body corporate .................. 34
67A Criminal liability of executive officer of body corporate –
evidential burden of proof on defence ........................................... 36
68 Retention of things seized ............................................................. 37
69 Protection from liability .................................................................. 38
70 Acquisition on just terms ................................................................ 38
71 Reimbursement ............................................................................. 38
72 Evidentiary certificate .................................................................... 39
73 Regulations.................................................................................... 39
Part 5 Repeal and transitional matters for Plant
Health Act 2008
74 Repeals ......................................................................................... 40
75 Definitions ...................................................................................... 40
76 Savings – pest ............................................................................... 40
77 Savings – requirement relating to movement of plant and
plant-related material ..................................................................... 40
78 Savings – quarantine place ........................................................... 40
79 Savings – treatment or disposal of plant and plant-related
material .......................................................................................... 41
80 Savings – accredited production place .......................................... 41
81 Savings – Chief Inspector and inspector ....................................... 41
Plant Health Act 2008 iv
Part 6 Transitional matters for Statute Law
Amendment (Directors' Liability) Act 2015
82 Offences – before and after commencement................................. 42
Schedule Repealed Acts
ENDNOTES
NORTHERN TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA
As in force at 1 May 2015
PLANT HEALTH ACT 2008
An Act for the control of pests, certification of plant health and
related purposes
Part 1 Introduction
1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the Plant Health Act 2008.
2 Commencement
This Act commences on the date fixed by the Administrator by
Gazette notice.
3 Objects of Act
The objects of this Act are:
(a) to ensure appropriate actions can be taken for the control of
pests; and
(b) to facilitate the production and trading of plants and plant
products that are free from pests.
4 Act binds Crown
This Act binds the Crown in right of the Territory and, to the extent
the legislative power of the Legislative Assembly permits, the
Crown in all its other capacities.
5 Definitions
In this Act:
accredited person means an accredited person mentioned in
section 41(1).
accredited production place means an accredited production
place mentioned in section 37(1).
Part 1 Introduction
Plant Health Act 2008 2
affected, by a pest, see section 11.
appointment criteria, see section 40(2)(b).
assurance certificate, see section 39(2).
Chief Inspector means the person holding or occupying the office
of Chief Inspector of Plant Health mentioned in section 47(1).
control, of a pest, see section 7.
declared host plant means a host plant declared under
section 8(2)(a).
declared pest means a pest declared under section 6(2)(a).
Director of Parks and Wildlife means the Director as defined in
the Parks and Wildlife Commission Act 1980.
draft plan, see section 31(1).
host plant, see section 8(1).
inspection certificate, see section 36(2).
inspector means an inspector of plant health mentioned in
section 53(1).
notifiable pest means a notifiable pest mentioned in section 6(4).
owner, see section 9.
packaging, of a plant or plant product, includes any covering and
container for the plant or product.
pest, see section 6(1).
place includes:
(a) land; and
(b) a building, vehicle or vessel, or any part of a building, vehicle
or vessel.
plan means a plant health management plan mentioned in
section 30(1).
plant means:
(a) any kind of organism (including a genetically modified
organism) in the plant kingdom; or
Part 1 Introduction
Plant Health Act 2008 3
(b) any individual organism or part of an organism (including a
genetically modified organism) in the plant kingdom, whether
dead or alive.
plant health assurance scheme, see section 39(1).
plant health management plan, see section 30(1).
plant product, see section 10(a).
plant-related material, see section 10.
production, of a plant or plant product, includes the processing of
the plant or product.
production requirements, see section 40(2)(c).
quarantine place means a quarantine place mentioned in
section 18(1).
regulation means a regulation under this Act.
relevant decision, see section 58(1).
scheme means a plant health assurance scheme mentioned in
section 39(1).
statutory charge, see section 4 of the Land Title Act 2000.
6 Pest
(1) A pest is an organism (whether or not taxonomically classified):
(a) that feeds on a plant; or
(b) that causes an abnormal or unhealthy condition in a plant.
(2) The Chief Inspector may:
(a) declare pests by Gazette notice; and
(b) publish a list of the declared pests as the Chief Inspector
considers appropriate.
(3) A declared pest must be an organism covered by subsection (1).
(4) The notice may further specify that a declared pest is a notifiable
pest.
Part 1 Introduction
Plant Health Act 2008 4
(5) The Chief Inspector must not declare an indigenous organism of
Australia as a pest unless the Chief Inspector has consulted with
the Director of Parks and Wildlife about the declaration.
7 Control of pest
(1) To control a pest is:
(a) to prevent an outbreak or spreading of the pest; or
(b) to manage an outbreak or spreading of the pest; or
(c) to eradicate the pest.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), to control a pest may involve the
treatment or disposal of:
(a) a host plant for the pest; or
(b) a thing affected by the pest.
8 Host plant
(1) A host plant for a pest is a plant that is susceptible to, uses or
harbours the pest.
(2) The Chief Inspector may:
(a) declare host plants by Gazette notice; and
(b) publish a list of the declared host plants as the Chief Inspector
considers appropriate.
(3) A declared host plant must be a plant covered by subsection (1).
(4) The Chief Inspector must not declare an indigenous organism of
Australia as a host plant unless the Chief Inspector has consulted
with the Director of Parks and Wildlife about the declaration.
9 Owner
(1) The owner of a place includes, but is not limited to, an occupier of
the place.
(2) The owner of a thing includes, but is not limited to, someone having
the possession or control of the thing.
(3) If this Act imposes an obligation on the owner of a place or thing,
each owner of the place or thing is jointly and severally liable for the
obligation.
Part 1 Introduction
Plant Health Act 2008 5
10 Plant-related material
Plant-related material is any of the following:
(a) a product (plant product) that is wholly or partly derived from
a plant;
(b) the packaging of a plant or plant product;
(c) soil or a growth medium;
(d) a pest;
(e) any other thing that is, or might reasonably be, affected by a
pest.
11 Affected by pest
(1) Without limiting how a thing might be affected by a pest, a thing is
affected by a pest if the thing:
(a) contains the pest; or
(b) is or has been in close proximity to, or in contact with, the
pest.
(2) Subsection (1) applies whether or not the pest has any apparent
effect on the thing.
12 Application of Criminal Code
Part IIAA of the Criminal Code applies to an offence against this
Act.
Note
Part IIAA of the Criminal Code states the general principles of criminal
responsibility (including burdens of proof and general defences) and defined
terms used for offences.
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Division 1 Obligations about plants and plant-related materials
Plant Health Act 2008 6
Part 2 Control of pests
Division 1 Obligations about plants and plant-related
materials
13 Prevention of infestation
(1) The owner of a plant or plant-related material must take reasonable
measures to prevent the infestation of the plant or material by a
declared pest.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows there is a risk of the infestation of the plant or material
by the declared pest; and
(b) intentionally fails to take the measures.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
14 Prevention of spreading
(1) The owner of a plant or plant-related material that is affected by a
declared pest must take reasonable measures to prevent the pest
spreading from the plant or material.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows the plant or material is affected by the pest; and
(b) intentionally fails to take the measures.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
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Plant Health Act 2008 7
(2) A person who is leaving a place that is affected by a declared pest
must take reasonable measures to prevent the pest spreading from
the place.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows the place is affected by the pest; and
(b) intentionally fails to take the measures.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) or (2) if the defendant establishes a reasonable
excuse.
15 Notification about pest
(1) A person must notify an inspector of the presence of a pest at a
place within 24 hours after becoming aware of the presence of the
pest at the place.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows the pest is present at the place; and
(b) intentionally fails to notify an inspector.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
(2) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
16 Requirements about affected plant and material
(1) A person must not engage in any of the following acts:
(a) propagating or growing a plant that is affected by a declared
pest;
(b) dealing with a plant or plant-related material that is affected by
a declared pest in any way (including, for example, using,
selling, purchasing, hiring, handling, storing, transporting and
disposing of the plant or material);
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Plant Health Act 2008 8
(c) offering to do any of the things mentioned in paragraph (a)
or (b) in relation to a plant or plant-related material that is
affected by a declared pest.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows the plant or material is affected by the pest; and
(b) intentionally engages in the act.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the defendant engaged in the act:
(a) under a written permit given by the Chief Inspector; or
(b) for the purposes of this Act or another Act.
Example
Giving the plant or material to an inspector for section 22.
(3) A regulation may provide for any of the following:
(a) a permit mentioned in subsection (2)(a);
(b) any other matter arising from this section.
17 Requirements about specified plant and material
(1) For the control of a declared pest, a regulation may prohibit or
restrict, or impose other requirements in relation to, any of the
following acts:
(a) the introduction (including introduction by importation) into the
Territory of a specified plant or plant-related material;
(b) the export from the Territory of a specified plant or
plant-related material;
(c) the possession of a specified plant or plant-related material in
the Territory or a part of the Territory;
(d) the storage of a specified plant or plant-related material in the
Territory or a part of the Territory;
(e) the transportation into the Territory of a specified plant or
plant-related material;
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Plant Health Act 2008 9
(f) the transportation of a specified plant or plant-related material
within the Territory.
(2) For the control of a declared pest, the Chief Inspector may, by
Gazette notice, prohibit or restrict, or impose other requirements in
relation to, an act mentioned in subsection (1).
(3) The Chief Inspector may do so only if the Chief Inspector
reasonably believes the prohibition, restriction or requirement is
urgently needed for the control of the declared pest.
(4) The notice:
(a) must not have effect for longer than 12 months; and
(b) must not be extended after the end of the 12 months.
(5) A regulation under subsection (1) or a notice under subsection (2):
(a) must specify the declared pest and the related prohibition,
restriction or requirement; and
(b) may specify that the prohibition, restriction or requirement is
subject to specified conditions, including:
(i) the holding of a written permit given by the Chief
Inspector; and
(ii) any other specified conditions.
(6) A person must comply with the regulation or notice.
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 2 500 penalty units.
(7) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (6) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
(8) The court imposing a penalty for an offence against subsection (6)
may also order a plant or plant-related material relating to the
offence be treated or disposed of as directed by the court or Chief
Inspector.
(9) A regulation may provide for any of the following:
(a) a permit mentioned in subsection (5)(b)(i);
(b) any other matter arising from this section.
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Division 1 Obligations about plants and plant-related materials
Plant Health Act 2008 10
18 Quarantine place
(1) The Chief Inspector may, by Gazette notice, declare a place to be a
quarantine place if the Chief Inspector reasonably believes it is
necessary to do so for the control of a declared pest.
(2) The quarantine place must be declared for 1 or more of the
following purposes:
(a) the inspection of plants or plant-related materials at the place;
(b) the treatment and disposal of plants or plant-related materials
at the place;
(c) prohibiting or restricting, or imposing other requirements in
relation to, 1 or more of the following:
(i) the entry into the place by anyone or anything;
(ii) the movement of anyone or anything within the place;
(iii) the departure from the place of anyone or anything;
(iv) the cultivation of plants or the carrying on of any other
activity at the place;
(d) the removal of anyone or anything from the place.
(3) The notice:
(a) must specify the declared pest, the purposes of the quarantine
place and any related prohibitions, restrictions or
requirements; and
(b) may specify that specified prohibitions, restrictions or
requirements apply to the whole of the place or 1 or more
specified parts of the place; and
(c) may specify that the prohibitions, restrictions or requirements
apply only in specified circumstances (for example, only in
relation to specified plants or plant-related materials); and
(d) may specify that the prohibitions, restrictions or requirements
are subject to specified conditions, including:
(i) the holding of a written permit given by the Chief
Inspector; and
(ii) any other specified conditions; and
Part 2 Control of pests
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Plant Health Act 2008 11
(e) must specify:
(i) the reasons for the decision to make the declaration; and
(ii) the right of a person whose interests are or might be
affected by the decision to apply under section 58 for a
reconsideration of the decision.
Example
Because of subsection (3)(b), the notice may specify additional requirements for
a part of the place to deal with a high level of infestation in that part of the place.
(4) A person must comply with the notice.
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 2 500 penalty units.
(5) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (4) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
(6) A regulation may provide for any of the following:
(a) a permit mentioned in subsection (3)(d)(i);
(b) any other matter arising from this section.
19 Treatment or disposal – owners generally
(1) For the control of a declared pest, a regulation may be made to
require the owners of specified plants or plant-related materials to
treat, or dispose of, the plants or materials in a specified way.
(2) For the control of a declared pest, the Chief Inspector may, by
Gazette notice, require the owners of specified plants or
plant-related materials to treat, or dispose of, the plants or materials
in a specified way.
(3) The Chief Inspector may do so only if the Chief Inspector
reasonably believes the treatment or disposal is urgently needed for
the control of the pest.
(4) The notice:
(a) must not have effect for longer than 12 months; and
(b) must not be extended after the end of the 12 months.
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Plant Health Act 2008 12
(5) A regulation under subsection (1) or a notice under subsection (2):
(a) must specify when the treatment or disposal is to be carried
out; and
(b) may specify that the regulation or notice applies only to plants
or plant-related materials located in a specified part of the
Territory.
(6) An owner of plants or plant-related materials to which the regulation
or notice applies must comply with the regulation or notice.
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
(7) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (6) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
20 Treatment or disposal – specific owner
(1) For the control of a declared pest, the Chief Inspector may, by
written notice given to a particular owner of specified plants or
plant-related materials, require the owner to treat, or dispose of, the
plants or materials in a specified way.
(2) The Chief Inspector may do so only if the Chief Inspector
reasonably believes the treatment or disposal is urgently needed for
the control of the pest.
(3) The notice must also specify the following:
(a) the reasons for the decision to give the notice;
(b) the owner's right under section 58 to apply for a
reconsideration of the decision.
(4) The owner must comply with the notice.
Fault element: Intention.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
(5) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (4) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
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Plant Health Act 2008 13
21 Failure of owner to act
(1) This section applies if the owner of specified plants or plant-related
materials contravenes any of the following:
(a) a regulation under section 19(1);
(b) a notice under section 19(2);
(c) a notice under section 20(1).
(2) The Chief Inspector may:
(a) direct an inspector or another person to treat, or dispose of,
the plants or materials as specified by the Chief Inspector; and
(b) recover the expenses for the treatment or disposal from the
owner.
(3) In addition, the Chief Inspector may register under the Land Title
Act 2000 a statutory charge, for an amount not exceeding the
expenses, on any land of which the owner is a registered owner.
(4) If the Chief Inspector exercises the power under subsection (3), the
Chief Inspector must give a written notice to the owner specifying:
(a) the reasons for the decision to exercise the power; and
(b) the owner's right under section 58 to apply for a
reconsideration of the decision.
Division 2 Inspectors' powers
22 Powers relating to search and seizure
(1) An inspector may exercise any of the powers mentioned in
subsections (2) and (3) if the inspector reasonably believes it is
necessary to do so for:
(a) the control of a pest; or
(b) monitoring the compliance with this Act; or
(c) the exercise of a power or the performance of a function of an
inspector under this Act.
(2) The inspector may do 1 or more of the following at a place:
(a) enter, inspect and search the place;
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Plant Health Act 2008 14
(b) require a person at the place to give the inspector specified
information about specified plants or plant-related materials;
(c) operate any electronic equipment at the place for the
purposes of retrieving or recording the information;
(d) inspect, take samples of, or seize, any plant or plant-related
material found at the place for a specified examination or
treatment;
(e) open any packagings found at the place for paragraph (d);
(f) apply, or require a person having the control of the place to
apply, a specified treatment to the place;
(g) install any thing at the place for controlling or monitoring a
pest;
(h) inspect and retrieve any thing or information for paragraph (g);
(i) make a record in relation to an exercise of a power for this
subsection (including, for example, by taking a photograph or
making a video recording).
(3) In addition, the inspector may do 1 or more of the following:
(a) require a person having the control of a plant or
plant-related material to do 1 or more of the following:
(i) to apply a specified treatment to the plant or material;
(ii) to give the plant or material to someone for a specified
examination or treatment;
(iii) to refrain from doing a specified thing in relation to the
plant or material until an inspection certificate is given for
the plant or material;
(iv) to dispose of the plant or material as specified by the
inspector;
(b) take control of the plant or material mentioned in
paragraph (a) and to do a thing covered by the paragraph in
relation to the plant or material;
(c) require a person having the control of a means of transport
(including, for example, an animal or vehicle) to do 1 or more
of the following:
(i) to stop the means of transport;
Part 2 Control of pests
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Plant Health Act 2008 15
(ii) to give it (including anything found on or in it) to
someone, or to remove it to a place, for a specified
examination, treatment or disposal;
(iii) to remove it (including anything found on or in it) to a
specified place and leave it there until an inspection
certificate for it is given;
(d) take control of the means of transport mentioned
in paragraph (c) for the examination, treatment, disposal or the
giving of the certificate.
(4) A person must comply with a requirement made by an inspector for
subsection (2) or (3).
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows the inspector is acting in an official capacity; and
(b) intentionally fails to comply with the requirement.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(5) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (4) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
(6) A requirement made orally for subsection (2) or (3) must be
confirmed in writing as soon as practicable after it is given.
23 Notice for entry to a place
(1) This section applies if an inspector intends to enter a place under
section 22(2).
(2) If the place is not a dwelling house, the inspector must, as far as
practicable, give notice to the owner of the place of the inspector's
intention to enter the place before doing so.
(3) If the place is a dwelling house, the inspector must not enter the
place unless:
(a) the inspector has given written notice to the owner of the place
of the inspector's intention to enter the place; and
(b) the inspector:
(i) is permitted by the owner (whether orally or in writing) to
enter the place; or
Part 2 Control of pests
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Plant Health Act 2008 16
(ii) is authorised to enter the place under a warrant issued
by a Local Court Judge.
(4) A Local Court Judge may issue the warrant only if the Local Court
Judge is satisfied the warrant is reasonably required in the
circumstances.
(5) In this section:
dwelling house means a building ordinarily occupied for residential
purposes.
24 Obligations of owners
(1) A person who complies with a requirement under section 22 for a
place or thing:
(a) may recover from the owner of the place or thing the
expenses incurred by the person in complying with the
requirement; and
(b) is not liable to the owner for any damage to the place or thing.
(2) If a requirement is given under section 22 for an animal (for
example, a requirement about examining the animal), the owner of
the animal remains responsible for its care and wellbeing.
25 Requirement to give information
(1) This section applies if an inspector reasonably suspects a person of
committing or attempting to commit an offence against this Act.
(2) The inspector may require the person to give the following
information to the inspector:
(a) specified information about a specified plant or plant-related
material;
(b) the person's name;
(c) the person's residential and postal addresses;
(d) any other information specified by the inspector to enable the
inspector to contact the person at a later time.
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(3) The person must comply with the requirement.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows the inspector is acting in an official capacity; and
(b) intentionally fails to comply with the requirement.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (3) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
(5) A requirement made orally for subsection (2) must be confirmed in
writing as soon as practicable after it is given.
26 Self-incrimination
(1) It is not a reasonable excuse for a person to fail to give information
or a document for section 22 or 25 on the grounds that it might
incriminate the person.
(2) However, any information or document so given by the person is
not admissible in any civil or criminal proceeding (other than a
proceeding for an offence against section 62).
27 Signs and barriers
(1) An inspector may set up a sign or barrier for a place that:
(a) is or might be affected by a pest; and
(b) is subject to a requirement under this Act.
Example
Signs and barriers may be set up for a quarantine place.
(2) The sign or barrier:
(a) must specify the requirement; and
(b) may be placed within, or outside, the place.
(3) A person must not:
(a) remove or tamper with the sign or barrier; or
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Plant Health Act 2008 18
(b) fail to comply with the requirement.
Fault element: Strict liability offence.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (3) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
28 Markings
(1) An inspector may mark a place or thing:
(a) indicating that it:
(i) is or might be affected by a specified pest; or
(ii) is free from a specified pest; or
(iii) has been examined or treated for a specified pest; and
(b) specifying any requirement in relation to the place or thing
(including, for example, any storage, transportation or
handling requirement).
(2) The inspector may do so in any way the inspector considers
appropriate.
(3) A person must comply with the requirement.
Fault element: Strict liability offence.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (3) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
Division 3 Plant health management plans
29 Object of Division
The object of this Division is to ensure long-term plans for the
control of pests are developed and implemented with community
support and involvement.
30 What is a plant health management plan
(1) A plant health management plan is a plan that provides for a
long-term strategy for the control of 1 or more specified pests.
Part 2 Control of pests
Division 3 Plant health management plans
Plant Health Act 2008 19
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the plan must specify:
(a) the plant and plant product to which the plan relates; and
(b) whether the plan applies to the whole of the Territory or a
specified part of the Territory; and
(c) the period (not exceeding 10 years) for which the plan is to be
in force; and
(d) any other related matters, including, for example:
(i) the obligations of persons under the plan; and
(ii) the powers and functions of the Chief Inspector and
inspectors under the plan.
(3) The plan must be consistent with this Act.
31 Preparation of plan
(1) The Chief Inspector may prepare a draft plant health management
plan (a draft plan).
(2) Any other person may prepare a draft plan and give it to the Chief
Inspector.
32 Notification
(1) The Chief Inspector must publish a notice for a draft plan if the
Chief Inspector thinks the plan should be made.
(2) The notice:
(a) must be published in a newspaper circulating in the Territory;
and
(b) must include a copy of the draft plan or state how a copy of it
may be obtained; and
(c) must specify a period during which comments on the draft
plan may be given to the Chief Inspector.
33 Making of plan
(1) After the end of the specified period, the Chief Inspector may,
having regard to any comments given under section 32(2)(c):
(a) change the draft plan; and
(b) make the plan by Gazette notice.
Part 2 Control of pests
Division 3 Plant health management plans
Plant Health Act 2008 20
(2) The Gazette notice must include a copy of the plan or state how a
copy of it may be obtained.
(3) The plan:
(a) takes effect on the date of the notice or a later date specified
in the notice; and
(b) is in force for the period specified in the plan.
(4) The Chief Inspector must publish the plan in a way the Chief
Inspector considers appropriate.
(5) The Chief Inspector may, by Gazette notice, correct any error in the
plan.
(6) The plan must not be revoked or amended except under
subsection (5) or section 34.
34 Review
(1) The Chief Inspector may conduct a review of the operation of a
plan.
(2) Before conducting the review, the Chief Inspector must publish a
notice of the proposed review in a newspaper circulating in the
Territory.
(3) The notice must specify a period during which comments on the
operation of the plan may be given to the Chief Inspector.
(4) The Chief Inspector must:
(a) consider any comments given under subsection (3) when
conducting the review; and
(b) on completing the review – affirm, revoke or amend the plan
(including extending the period of its operation) by Gazette
notice.
(5) The plan may be extended more than once.
(6) Each extension must not exceed 10 years.
35 Compliance
(1) This section applies if a person contravenes a plan.
(2) The Chief Inspector may, by written notice given to the person,
require the person to take specified measures to remedy the
contravention within a reasonable time specified in the notice.
Part 3 Certification of plant health
Division 2 Accredited production places
Plant Health Act 2008 21
(3) The person must comply with the notice.
Fault element: Strict liability offence.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(4) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (3) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
(5) If the person fails to comply with the notice, the Chief Inspector
may:
(a) direct someone else to take the measures; and
(b) recover from the person the expenses for taking the
measures.
Part 3 Certification of plant health
Division 1 Inspection certificates
36 Giving of certificate
(1) This section applies if an inspector has carried out an inspection of
a place or thing under this Act.
(2) The inspector may give to the owner of the place or thing a
certificate (an inspection certificate):
(a) stating the inspection has been carried out; and
(b) specifying any examination or treatment of the place or thing
carried out under this Act in connection with the inspection.
(3) A regulation may make provision about giving an inspection
certificate.
Division 2 Accredited production places
37 Declaration for accredited production place
(1) The Chief Inspector may, by Gazette notice, declare a place to be
an accredited production place for 1 or more of the following:
(a) a specified plant produced at the place;
(b) a specified plant product produced at the place.
Part 3 Certification of plant health
Division 3 Plant health assurance schemes
Plant Health Act 2008 22
(2) The Chief Inspector may do so:
(a) on application of a person; or
(b) on the Chief Inspector's initiative.
(3) The Chief Inspector may make the declaration only if the Chief
Inspector is satisfied the place is free from 1 or more pests
prescribed by regulation for each of the plants or plant products.
(4) The notice must specify:
(a) the reasons for the decision to make the declaration; and
(b) the right of a person whose interests are or might be affected
by the decision to apply under section 58 for a reconsideration
of the decision.
(5) The notice may specify:
(a) words or phrases that may be used in advertising, packaging
or selling any of the plants or plant products; and
(b) prohibitions, restrictions and other requirements about the use
of the words or phrases.
(6) A person must comply with the notice.
Fault element: Strict liability offence.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(7) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (6) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
Division 3 Plant health assurance schemes
38 Object of Division
The object of this Division is to facilitate the compliance of this Act
through a system of plant health assurance schemes.
39 Schemes and assurance certificates under scheme
(1) A plant health assurance scheme is a scheme that provides for
the making of assurance certificates by accredited persons for the
production of 1 or more of the following:
(a) a specified plant;
(b) a specified plant product.
Part 3 Certification of plant health
Division 3 Plant health assurance schemes
Plant Health Act 2008 23
(2) An assurance certificate under the scheme is a certificate stating
that specified requirements for the production of any of the plants or
products have been met.
40 Establishing schemes
(1) The Chief Inspector may, by Gazette notice, establish a plant health
assurance scheme.
(2) The notice must specify the following:
(a) each plant and plant product to which the scheme relates;
(b) the criteria (the appointment criteria) for appointing an
accredited person for the scheme;
(c) the requirements (the production requirements) for the
production of the plant or product for the making of an
assurance certificate under the scheme.
41 Accredited persons
(1) A person may apply to the Chief Inspector for the person to be
appointed as an accredited person for the scheme.
(2) The Chief Inspector must:
(a) appoint the applicant as an accredited person for the scheme
if the Chief Inspector is satisfied the applicant meets the
appointment criteria; or
(b) otherwise – refuse the application.
(3) The appointment must be in writing.
(4) If the Chief Inspector refuses the application, the Chief Inspector
must give a written notice to the applicant, specifying:
(a) the reasons for the decision to refuse the application; and
(b) the applicant's right under section 58 to apply for a
reconsideration of the decision.
(5) More than 1 accredited person may be appointed for the scheme.
Part 3 Certification of plant health
Division 3 Plant health assurance schemes
Plant Health Act 2008 24
42 Accreditation conditions
(1) The appointment of an accredited person for the scheme is subject
to the following conditions:
(a) a condition that the person must not make an assurance
certificate under the scheme unless the production
requirements have been met;
(b) a condition that the person must comply with any audit or
other requirements (including, for example, the payment of
fees) for holding the appointment;
(c) any other condition specified in the appointment;
(d) any other condition prescribed by regulation.
(2) The person must not contravene any of the conditions.
Fault element: Strict liability offence.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (2) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
43 Register of accredited persons
(1) The Chief Inspector must keep a register of accredited persons for
each scheme.
(2) The register must be kept in a form the Chief Inspector considers
appropriate.
44 Offences about assurance certificates
(1) A person who is not an accredited person for a scheme must not
make a document that purports to be an assurance certificate under
the scheme.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) intentionally makes the document; and
(b) is reckless as to whether anyone might reasonably believe the
document is an assurance certificate under a scheme.
Maximum penalty: 1 000 penalty units.
Part 3 Certification of plant health
Division 3 Plant health assurance schemes
Plant Health Act 2008 25
(2) A person must not make a statement about a plant or plant product
if:
(a) the statement is reasonably likely to cause someone to
believe that an assurance certificate has been made for the
plant or product; and
(b) no assurance certificate has been made for the plant or
product.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows no assurance certificate has been made for the plant or
product; and
(b) is reckless as to whether the statement is reasonably likely to
cause someone to believe that an assurance certificate has
been made for the plant or product.
Maximum penalty: 1 000 penalty units.
45 Agreements with other jurisdictions for certificates
(1) The Chief Inspector may, on behalf of the Territory, enter into an
agreement with the Commonwealth, a State or another Territory for:
(a) the recognition of an assurance certificate for a corresponding
law; and
(b) the recognition of a document made under a corresponding
law that is in the nature of an assurance certificate; and
(c) the imposition of audit and other requirements on a person for
the integrity or recognition of:
(i) an assurance certificate; or
(ii) a document mentioned in paragraph (b); and
(d) any other related matters.
(2) A regulation may provide for a matter arising from this section.
(3) In this section:
corresponding law means a law of the Commonwealth, a State or
another Territory that is declared by regulation to be a
corresponding law.
Part 4 Administration
Division 2 Chief Inspector
Plant Health Act 2008 26
Part 4 Administration
Division 1 Minister
46 Power of exemption
(1) The Minister may, by Gazette notice, exempt a specified place from
the application of all or a specified provision of this Act.
(2) A regulation may provide for the control of pests at the place by
applying (with or without changes) a law of a State or another
Territory as in force or existing at a time or from time to time.
Division 2 Chief Inspector
47 Appointment
(1) The Minister must appoint a person who is a public sector
employee to be the Chief Inspector of Plant Health.
(2) The Minister may do so only if the Minister is satisfied the person
has appropriate qualifications or experience for the appointment.
(3) The Chief Inspector holds office for the period (not exceeding
3 years) specified in the appointment and is eligible for
re-appointment.
48 Directions
(1) For the control of a pest, the Chief Inspector may direct an
inspector to take specified measures under a specified provision of
this Act.
(2) The inspector must comply with the direction.
49 Approved forms
(1) The Chief Inspector may approve forms for documents to be used
for this Act.
(2) If a form is approved for a document to be used for this Act, the
document must be made in that form.
50 Powers and functions of inspector
The Chief Inspector may exercise any power, and perform any
function, of an inspector under this Act.
Part 4 Administration
Division 3 Inspectors
Plant Health Act 2008 27
51 Delegation
(1) The Chief Inspector may delegate to a person any of the Chief
Inspector's powers and functions under this Act.
(2) The Chief Inspector may do so only if the Chief Inspector is
satisfied the person has appropriate qualifications or experience for
the delegation.
(3) The delegation must be in writing.
52 Acting Chief Inspector
(1) The Minister may appoint a public sector employee to act as the
Chief Inspector during any period or all periods when:
(a) the Chief Inspector is absent from duty; or
(b) the Chief Inspector is otherwise unable to exercise the
powers, or to perform the functions, of the Chief Inspector; or
(c) the office of Chief Inspector is vacant.
(2) The Minister may do so only if the Minister is satisfied the person
has appropriate qualifications or experience for the appointment.
Division 3 Inspectors
53 Appointment
(1) The Chief Inspector may, in writing, appoint a person to be an
inspector of plant health.
(2) The Chief Inspector may do so only if the Chief Inspector is
satisfied the person has appropriate qualifications or experience for
the appointment.
(3) The person may exercise a power and perform a function of an
inspector under this Act as specified in the appointment.
54 Identity card
(1) In exercising a power or performing a function under this Act, an
inspector must carry an identity card provided by the Chief
Inspector that:
(a) states the name and office of the inspector; and
Part 4 Administration
Division 3 Inspectors
Plant Health Act 2008 28
(b) includes:
(i) the signature of the inspector; and
(ii) a photograph of the inspector; and
(iii) the verification of the signature and photograph by the
Chief Inspector.
(2) A person who ceases to be an inspector must return the identity
card to the Chief Inspector within 2 weeks after the cessation.
Fault element: Strict liability offence.
Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (2) if the defendant establishes a reasonable excuse.
(4) If an inspector purports to exercise a power under this Act without
producing the inspector's identity card when requested to do so:
(a) the inspector is not authorised to exercise the power; and
(b) a person is not required to comply with a requirement made by
the inspector.
55 Receipts
An inspector must give a receipt to a person for seizing or receiving
a thing from the person under this Act.
56 Report to Chief Inspector
(1) An inspector must give a report to the Chief Inspector about the
exercise of a power, or the performance of a function, by the
inspector under this Act.
(2) The inspector must do so as soon as practicable after the exercise
of the power or performance of the function.
(3) This section has effect subject to any direction of the Chief
Inspector.
57 Reasonable force and assistance
(1) An inspector may use any reasonable force and assistance in
exercising a power under this Act.
Part 4 Administration
Division 4 Reconsideration of decisions
Plant Health Act 2008 29
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the inspector may use any
reasonable force and assistance to restrain a person or animal in
exercising the power.
Division 4 Reconsideration of decisions
58 Right to seek reconsideration
(1) This Division applies to any of the following decisions (each of
which is a relevant decision):
(a) a decision to exercise a power under section 18(1), 20(1),
21(3), 37(1) or 41(2)(b);
(b) a decision made by the Chief Inspector under this Division in
reconsidering a decision mentioned in paragraph (a).
(2) A person whose interests are or might be affected by a relevant
decision to make a declaration under section 18(1) or 37(1), or who
is given a notice of a decision otherwise mentioned in
subsection (1), may apply:
(a) for a reconsideration of the decision; or
(b) if the Chief Inspector has reconsidered the decision under this
Division – for a reconsideration of the Chief Inspector's
decision.
59 Procedure for reconsideration
(1) The application must be made:
(a) to the following (as appropriate):
(i) the Chief Inspector if the relevant decision was made by
a delegate of the Chief Inspector;
(ii) otherwise – the Minister; and
(b) within 14 days after the following (as appropriate):
(i) the date of the Gazette notice for the decision if it was a
decision to make a declaration under section 18(1)
or 37(1);
(ii) otherwise – the date on which the applicant receives a
written notice of the decision.
(2) The Chief Inspector or Minister (the reviewer) must, within 1 month
after receiving the application, reconsider the relevant decision.
Part 4 Administration
Division 5 Other offences
Plant Health Act 2008 30
(3) The reviewer may reconsider the relevant decision in any way the
reviewer considers appropriate.
(4) The application does not affect the operation or implementation of
the relevant decision.
(5) However, the reviewer may make another decision staying or
otherwise affecting the operation or implementation of so much of
the relevant decision as the reviewer considers appropriate to
effectively decide the application.
(6) The other decision:
(a) is subject to the conditions specified by the reviewer; and
(b) has effect:
(i) for the period specified by the reviewer; and
(ii) if no period is specified by the reviewer – until the
application is decided.
(7) The reviewer must give a written notice of the reviewer's decision to
the applicant, specifying:
(a) the reasons for the decision; and
(b) if the reviewer is the Chief Inspector – the applicant's right
under section 58 to apply for a reconsideration of the decision.
Division 5 Other offences
60 Obstruction and failure to comply with requirement
(1) A person must not obstruct an inspector, or another person
assisting an inspector, who is exercising a power or performing a
function under this Act.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows the inspector or other person is acting in an official
capacity; and
(b) intentionally obstructs the inspector or other person.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
Part 4 Administration
Division 5 Other offences
Plant Health Act 2008 31
(2) A person must comply with a requirement given to the person for
this Act by an inspector, or another person assisting an inspector,
who is exercising a power or performing a function under this Act.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows the inspector or other person is acting in an official
capacity; and
(b) intentionally fails to comply with a requirement given to the
person for this Act by the inspector or other person.
Maximum penalty: 500 penalty units.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) or (2) if the defendant establishes a reasonable
excuse.
(4) In this section:
inspector includes the Chief Inspector.
obstruct includes hinder and resist.
61 Interference with or damage to things used by inspector
(1) A person must not interfere with or damage a thing used by an
inspector:
(a) for the exercise of a power or the performance of a function
under this Act; or
(b) for monitoring compliance with this Act.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows the thing is used for official purposes; and
(b) intentionally interferes with or damages the thing.
Maximum penalty: 100 penalty units.
(2) In this section:
inspector includes the Chief Inspector.
Part 4 Administration
Division 5 Other offences
Plant Health Act 2008 32
62 Misleading information and document
(1) A person must not give misleading information to an inspector who
is exercising a power or performing a function under this Act.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows the inspector is acting in an official capacity; and
(b) knows the information is misleading.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(2) A person must not give a document containing misleading
information to an inspector who is exercising a power or performing
a function under this Act.
Fault elements:
The person:
(a) knows the inspector is acting in an official capacity; and
(b) knows the document contains misleading information.
Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if the defendant, when giving the
document:
(a) draws the misleading aspect of the document to the
inspector's attention; and
(b) to the extent to which the defendant can reasonably do so –
gives the inspector the information necessary to correct the
document.
(4) In this section:
inspector includes the Chief Inspector.
misleading information means information that is misleading in a
material particular because it:
(a) does not include relevant information; or
(b) includes misinformation.
Part 4 Administration
Division 6 Other matters
Plant Health Act 2008 33
63 Continuing offence
(1) This section applies if a court has found a person guilty of an
offence against section 13(1), 14(1) or (2), 15(1), 16(1), 17(6),
18(4), 19(6), 20(4), 22(4), 25(3), 27(3)(b), 28(3), 35(3), 37(6), 42(2)
or 60(1) or (2).
(2) The court may, in addition to any penalty imposed for the offence,
impose a penalty not exceeding 10 penalty units for each day
during which the offence continues after the day on which the
offence is committed.
Division 6 Other matters
64 Aboriginal land
(1) An inspector may enter and remain on Aboriginal land if it is
reasonably necessary for the inspector to exercise a power or to
perform a function under this Act.
(2) Subsection (1):
(a) has effect despite any law in force in the Territory; but
(b) does not affect the operation of other provisions of this Act (for
example, sections 22 and 23).
(3) In this section:
Aboriginal land, see section 3 of the Aboriginal Land Act 1978.
65 Management system must be taken into account
(1) This section applies if the Chief Inspector or an inspector imposes a
requirement under this Act on a person in relation to:
(a) the examination or treatment of a place or thing; or
(b) the disposal of a thing.
(2) In imposing the requirement, the Chief Inspector or inspector must,
as far as practicable, take into account:
(a) any management system for the place or thing that is in force;
and
(b) the person's preference in relation to how the requirement is
to be implemented.
Part 4 Administration
Division 6 Other matters
Plant Health Act 2008 34
66 Giving notice
(1) A notice required to be given to a person under this Act by the Chief
Inspector or an inspector may be given:
(a) personally; or
(b) by registered post, email or fax if the receipt of the notice by
the person is confirmed.
(2) If the Chief Inspector or inspector is unable to give a notice in
accordance with subsection (1) to the owner of a place, the notice
is taken to have been given to the owner if it is:
(a) affixed conspicuously at the place; or
(b) published in a newspaper that:
(i) is published in the Territory; and
(ii) circulates in the part of the Territory that includes the
place.
67 Criminal liability of executive officer of body corporate
(1) An executive officer of a body corporate commits an offence if:
(a) the body corporate commits an offence by contravening a
declared provision (a relevant offence) and the officer was
reckless about whether the contravention would happen; and
(b) the officer was in a position to influence the conduct of the
body corporate in relation to the contravention; and
(c) the officer recklessly failed to take reasonable steps to prevent
the contravention.
Maximum penalty: The maximum penalty that may be imposed
on an individual for the relevant offence.
Part 4 Administration
Division 6 Other matters
Plant Health Act 2008 35
(2) Strict liability applies to subsection (1)(b).
(3) In deciding whether the executive officer took (or failed to take)
reasonable steps to prevent the contravention, a court must
consider the following:
(a) any action the officer took directed towards ensuring the
following (to the extent the action is relevant to the
contravention):
(i) the body corporate arranged regular professional
assessments of the body corporate's compliance with
the declared provision;
(ii) the body corporate implemented any appropriate
recommendation arising from an assessment under
subparagraph (i);
(iii) the body corporate's employees, agents and contractors
had a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the
requirement to comply with the declared provision;
(b) any action the officer took when the officer became aware that
the contravention was, or could be, about to happen.
(4) Subsection (3) does not limit the matters the court may consider.
(5) This section does not affect the liability of the body corporate.
(6) This section applies whether or not the body corporate is
prosecuted for, or found guilty of, the relevant offence.
(7) This section does not apply if the body corporate would have a
defence to a prosecution for the relevant offence.
(8) In this section:
declared provision means:
(a) section 13(1), 14(1), 22(4), 25(3), 28(3), 35(3), 37(6), 60(1) or
(2), 61(1) or 62(1); or
(b) a provision of the Regulations prescribed by regulation.
executive officer, of a body corporate, means a director or other
person who is concerned with, or takes part in, the management of
the body corporate.
Part 4 Administration
Division 6 Other matters
Plant Health Act 2008 36
67A Criminal liability of executive officer of body corporate –
evidential burden of proof on defence
(1) An executive officer of a body corporate commits an offence if the
body corporate commits an offence by contravening a declared
provision (a relevant offence).
Maximum penalty: The maximum penalty that may be imposed
on an individual for the relevant offence.
(2) An offence against subsection (1) is an offence of absolute liability.
(3) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against
subsection (1) if the defendant:
(a) was not in a position to influence the conduct of the body
corporate in relation to the contravention; or
(b) took reasonable steps to prevent the contravention; or
(c) did not know, and could not reasonably have been expected
to know, that the contravention would happen.
(4) In deciding whether the defendant took (or failed to take)
reasonable steps to prevent the contravention, a court must
consider the following:
(a) any action the defendant took directed towards ensuring the
following (to the extent the action is relevant to the
contravention):
(i) the body corporate arranged regular professional
assessments of the body corporate's compliance with
the declared provision;
(ii) the body corporate implemented any appropriate
recommendation arising from an assessment under
subparagraph (i);
(iii) the body corporate's employees, agents and contractors
had a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the
requirement to comply with the declared provision;
(b) any action the defendant took when the defendant became
aware that the contravention was, or could be, about to
happen.
(5) Subsection (4) does not limit the matters the court may consider.
(6) This section does not affect the liability of the body corporate.
Part 4 Administration
Division 6 Other matters
Plant Health Act 2008 37
(7) This section applies whether or not the body corporate is
prosecuted for, or found guilty of, the relevant offence.
(8) This section does not apply if the body corporate would have a
defence to a prosecution for the relevant offence.
(9) In this section:
declared provision means:
(a) section 15(1), 16(1), 17(6), 18(4), 19(6) or 20(4); or
(b) a provision of the Regulations prescribed by regulation.
executive officer, of a body corporate, means a director or other
person who is concerned with, or takes part in, the management of
the body corporate.
68 Retention of things seized
(1) The Chief Inspector has the control of a thing seized under this Act.
(2) If the Chief Inspector considers the thing poses a threat to the
public, the Chief Inspector must destroy the thing or otherwise
render the thing harmless.
(3) If the thing is not destroyed, a court may order the thing be forfeited
to the Territory if:
(a) the thing is relevant to the prosecution of an offence under this
Act; and
(b) the prosecution for the offence started within 12 months after
the seizure; and
(c) the defendant is found guilty of the offence.
(4) The Chief Inspector must release the thing to its owner if:
(a) it has not been destroyed; and
(b) if it was relevant to the prosecution of an offence under this
Act – proceedings for the prosecution has ended and it is not
forfeited to the Territory.
Part 4 Administration
Division 6 Other matters
Plant Health Act 2008 38
69 Protection from liability
(1) A person is not civilly or criminally liable for an act done or omitted
to be done by the person in good faith in the exercise of a power or
performance of a function as any of the following:
(a) the Chief Inspector;
(b) an inspector;
(c) someone assisting the Chief Inspector or an inspector in
exercising a power or performing a function under this Act.
(2) Subsection (1) does not affect any liability the Territory would, apart
from that subsection, have for the act or omission.
(3) In this section:
exercise, of a power, includes the purported exercise of the power.
performance, of a function, includes the purported performance of
the function.
70 Acquisition on just terms
If the operation of this Act would, apart from this section, result in
an acquisition of property otherwise than on just terms:
(a) the person is entitled to receive from the Territory the
compensation necessary to ensure the acquisition is on just
terms; and
(b) a court of competent jurisdiction may decide the amount of
compensation or make the orders it considers necessary to
ensure the acquisition is on just terms.
71 Reimbursement
(1) The Chief Inspector may reimburse the owner of a place or thing for
any damage caused by, or costs incurred because of, an inspector
exercising a power or performing a function under this Act.
(2) A regulation may provide for a matter arising from this section.
Part 4 Administration
Division 6 Other matters
Plant Health Act 2008 39
72 Evidentiary certificate
In a proceeding for an offence against this Act, a certificate signed
by the Chief Inspector stating any of the following matters is
evidence of the matter in the absence of proof to the contrary:
(a) a specified person was an inspector having specified powers
under this Act at a specified time;
(b) a specified notice or other document is made or given at a
specified time;
(c) a specified thing has been identified as stated in the
certificate;
(d) a specified thing has been affected by a specified pest as
stated in the certificate.
73 Regulations
(1) The Administrator may make regulations under this Act.
(2) The regulations may:
(a) provide for the examination, treatment, storage, transportation,
handling and disposal of a plant or plant-related material for
this Act; or
(b) prescribe fees payable under this Act; or
(c) apply, adopt or incorporate (with or without changes) a matter
contained in another instrument as in force or existing at a
particular time or from time to time; or
(d) prescribe a fine not exceeding 200 penalty units for an offence
against the regulations; or
(e) provide for an offence against the regulations to be an offence
of strict liability; or
(f) provide for a code of practice for the exercise of a power or
the performance of a function under this Act; or
(g) provide for the enforcement of the code of practice, including,
for example, providing for a contravention of the code to be an
offence against the regulations.
Part 5 Repeal and transitional matters for Plant Health Act 2008
Plant Health Act 2008 40
Part 5 Repeal and transitional matters for Plant Health
Act 2008
74 Repeals
The Acts specified in the Schedule are repealed.
75 Definitions
In this Part:
commencement means the commencement of this Act.
former Act means the Plant Diseases Control Act 1979.
pre-existing, for a thing done under the former Act, means the
thing as in force under the former Act immediately before the
commencement.
76 Savings – pest
(1) A pre-existing declaration of a disease or pest under section 6 of
the former Act is taken to be a declaration of the disease or pest to
be a pest under section 6(2)(a) of this Act.
Note
For the power to make the pre-existing declaration, see the definitions of disease
and pest in section 6 of the former Act .
(2) A pre-existing declaration of a notifiable disease or pest under
section 12 of the former Act is taken to be a declaration of the
disease or pest to be a notifiable pest under section 6(4) of this Act.
77 Savings – requirement relating to movement of plant and
plant-related material
A pre-existing notice under section 8 or 9 of the former Act is taken
to be a notice under section 17(2) of this Act.
78 Savings – quarantine place
(1) This section applies to any of the following declarations:
(a) a pre-existing declaration of a quarantine station under
section 10 of the former Act;
Part 5 Repeal and transitional matters for Plant Health Act 2008
Plant Health Act 2008 41
(b) a pre-existing declaration of a quarantine area under
section 11 of the former Act.
(2) The declaration is taken to be a declaration of the station or area to
be a quarantine place under section 18(1) of this Act.
(3) Any pre-existing prohibition, restriction or other requirement for the
station or area is taken to be a prohibition, restriction or requirement
for the quarantine place under this Act.
79 Savings – treatment or disposal of plant and plant-related
material
A pre-existing notice under section 13 or 13A of the former Act is
taken to be a notice issued on the day of commencement under
section 19(2) of this Act.
80 Savings – accredited production place
(1) A pre-existing declaration of an accredited production area under
section 11A of the former Act is taken to be a declaration of the
area to be an accredited production place under section 37(1) of
this Act.
(2) Any pre-existing prohibition, restriction or other requirement for the
area is taken to be a prohibition, restriction or requirement for the
place under section 37(5)(b) of this Act.
81 Savings – Chief Inspector and inspector
(1) A pre-existing appointment of a person to be the Chief Inspector of
Plants and Diseases under section 7(1) of the former Act is taken to
be an appointment of the person to be the Chief Inspector of Plant
Health under section 47(1) of this Act.
(2) A pre-existing appointment of a person to be an inspector under
section 7(2) of the former Act:
(a) is taken to be an appointment of the person to be an inspector
of plant health under section 53(1) of this Act; and
(b) has effect as if it had provided for the person to exercise all
the powers and perform all the functions of an inspector of
plant health under this Act.
Part 6 Transitional matters for Statute Law Amendment (Directors' Liability) Act 2015
Plant Health Act 2008 42
Part 6 Transitional matters for Statute Law
Amendment (Directors' Liability) Act 2015
82 Offences – before and after commencement
(1) Sections 67 and 67A, as inserted by the Statute Law Amendment
(Directors' Liability) Act 2015, (the new sections) apply in relation
to a relevant offence committed by a body corporate after the
commencement of Part 2, Division 27 of that Act (the
commencement) only if:
(a) all the conduct constituting the relevant offence occurred after
the commencement; and
(b) all the conduct of the executive officer constituting the offence
against the new section occurred after the commencement.
(2) Section 67, as in force before the commencement:
(a) continues to apply in relation to offences committed by a body
corporate before the commencement; and
(b) applies in relation to relevant offences committed by a body
corporate after the commencement to which, as a result of
subsection (1), the new sections do not apply.
Schedule Repealed Acts
Plant Health Act 2008 43
Schedule Repealed Acts
section 74
Plant Diseases Control Act 1979 Act No. 126 of 1979
Plant Diseases Control Amendment Act 1989 Act No. 2 of 1989
Plant Diseases Control Amendment Act 1994 Act No. 80 of 1994
ENDNOTES
Plant Health Act 2008 44
ENDNOTES
1 KEY
Key to abbreviations
amd = amended od = order
app = appendix om = omitted
bl = by-law pt = Part
ch = Chapter r = regulation/rule
cl = clause rem = remainder
div = Division renum = renumbered
exp = expires/expired rep = repealed
f = forms s = section
Gaz = Gazette sch = Schedule
hdg = heading sdiv = Subdivision
ins = inserted SL = Subordinate Legislation
lt = long title sub = substituted
nc = not commenced
2 LIST OF LEGISLATION
Plant Health Act 2008 (Act No. 37, 2008)
Assent date 8 December 2008
Commenced 1 July 2011 (Gaz G26, 29 June 2011, p 2)
Statute Law Amendment (Directors' Liability) Act 2015 (Act No. 26, 2015)
Assent date 18 September 2015
Commenced 14 October 2015 (Gaz G41, 14 October 2015, p 3)
Local Court (Related Amendments) Act 2016 (Act No. 8, 2016)
Assent date 6 April 2016
Commenced 1 May 2016 (s 2, s 2 Local Court (Repeals and Related
Amendments) Act 2016 (Act No. 9, 2016) and Gaz S34,
29 April 2016)
3 GENERAL AMENDMENTS
General amendments of a formal nature (which are not referred to in the table
of amendments to this reprint) are made by the Interpretation Legislation
Amendment Act 2018 (Act No. 22, 2018) to: ss 1, 5, 21, 64 and 75.
4 LIST OF AMENDMENTS
s 23 amd No. 8, 2016, s 45
s 67 sub No. 26, 2015, s 86
s 67A ins No. 26, 2015, s 86
pt 6 hdg ins No. 26, 2015, s 87
s 82 ins No. 26, 2015, s 87