Development of a new Biosecurity Act

We’re pleased that the South Australian Government is developing a new Biosecurity Act for South Australia, through Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA).
 
A strong and workable biosecurity system in South Australia is critical for our future.
 
The new SA Biosecurity Act will merge several existing pieces of biosecurity legislation into one, with the aim of creating a simpler and more effective legal framework for the management of:

• Pests, diseases and weeds;
• Trade in plant and animal products; and
• Biosecurity emergencies.

The wine industry supports the Government review of biosecurity arrangements in South Australia which is expected to result in the repeal of a number of Acts and the creation of the new Biosecurity Act.  

One of the Acts that had been tabled for inclusion was the Phylloxera and Grape Industry Act 1995 (Phylloxera Act), which is now to be excluded from the Biosecurity review.

The decision to exclude the Phylloxera Act followed significant feedback from the grape and wine industries via the South Australian Wine Industry Association (SAWIA), the Wine Grape Council of SA (WGCSA) and Vinehealth Australia.

The Minister for Primary Industries David Basham recognised that the decision of whether or not to include the Phylloxera Act in the new Biosecurity Act, or to remain as separate legislation, must be at the discretion of the viticulture and wine industries.

The Minister also stated that the wine industry has the flexibility to exercise this choice at any time during the drafting and review of the new Biosecurity Act. This is a good outcome for the South Australian wine industry, which has such a strong biosecurity history, reputation and record.

The wine industry is well served by the Phylloxera Act. With the foresight of our past champions of viticulture, this Act, the only one of its kind in Australia, could well be the reason for the focus and efforts that South Australia has undertaken since 1898 to keep our viticulture assets free from phylloxera and other pests and diseases.

The wine industry continues to show strong support for the Phylloxera Act, and the work of the staff and Board of Vinehealth Australia.

With the review of the Biosecurity arrangements, the wine industry must actively participate to ensure that the new legislation is as effective as possible and fit for purpose. We must also evaluate what changes, if any, are required in the future for the Phylloxera Act.

This wine industry participation will enable us to make informed decisions as to whether the Phylloxera Act should be included in the Biosecurity Act, or remain as a standalone Act, to ensure the best outcomes for our industry.

With increasing biosecurity risks on our doorstep, our system must remain strong.

The review is expected to develop a new Biosecurity Act over the next six months, with the process commencing with the release of a Technical Directions Paper in the next month.

We will keep you informed throughout the process. For more information, contact:

• Heather Webster, Chair WGCSA: heatherwebster4@bigpond.com  
• Brian Smedley, Chief Executive SAWIA: brian@winesa.asn.au
• Inca Lee, CEO Vinehealth Australia: inca@vinehealth.com.au