Dr Michele Allan AO has been appointed as the independent reviewer of the Intergovernmental Agreement on Biosecurity (IGAB).
Dr Allan was selected by the National Biosecurity Committee, Agriculture Senior Officials Committee (AGSOC) and Agriculture Ministers' Meeting (AMM) because of her considerable knowledge and expertise.
The IGAB is an agreement between the Commonwealth and state and territory governments to strengthen the biosecurity system and enhance national collaboration among Australian governments. The agreement recognises that biosecurity is a shared responsibility between all governments, industry, natural resource managers, custodians and land users, and aims to strengthen these partnerships.
Under the IGAB, an independent review of the agreement is to be carried out within 5 years of commencement.
Dr Allan's review will determine where adjustments to the IGAB are needed to ensure that the biosecurity system remains efficient, effective and responsive.
The review is designed to ensure the IGAB continues to support market access for Australian products, minimises primary production costs and supports a healthy economy, environment and community. The review is expected to be completed by January 2025.
For more information about the IGAB visit agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/policy/partnerships/nbc/intergovernmental-agreement-on-biosecurity.