OFFICEOFTHE-InterimInspector-GeneralofBiosecurity.docVIP

Interim Inspector General of Biosecurity Management of quarantine waste from international vessels at Australian seaports INTERIM INSPECTOR GENERAL OF BIOSECURITYAUDIT REPORTJune 2010 No: 2009-10/06  Table of contents Summary 1 Recommendations 2 Biosecurity Services Group formal response 3 Objectives and scope 7 Methodology 7 Background and context 7 Interim Inspector General of Biosecurity 7 Quarantine waste from international sea vessels 8 Biosecurity risks 9 Findings and recommendations 9 Onboard storage 9 Collection and transport 10 Treatment 11 Effectiveness of current procedures in mitigating biosecurity risks 15 BSG verification of compliance with procedures 16 General observations - Naval vessels 17 Annexure 1 – Results of fieldwork 18 Note: For the public release of this report personal information will be removed in accordance with the Privacy Act 1998. Summary Biosecurity Services Group (BSG) systems to manage quarantine waste are designed to minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases being introduced to Australia during collection, storage, transport and treatment and disposal of the quarantine waste. This audit examined the performance of these systems and was undertaken by the Interim Inspector General of Biosecurity (IIGB), Dr Kevin Dunn, as part of the 200910 IIGB audit work program. The IIGB found that, in general, an adequate level of biosecurity is provided by the delivery of BSG measures for the management of quarantine waste associated with international sea vessel types examined in this audit (cargo container carriers, an Australian naval logistics supply ship and a Pacific region cruise vessel). Further, the procedures do not appear to be overly onerous. The collection procedures in removing quarantine waste from vessels appear to be designed and implemented to effectively mitigate any potential biosecurity risks. The approach to onboard storage varies to meet the practicalities of the design and use of each vessel type. The vessels