In 2023, the Biosecurity Act 2015 (the Act) was amended to give effect to the functions and powers of the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner (the Commissioner). The Commissioner is a statutory officer reporting directly to the Minister but is not subject to the direction or control of the Minister, except as it relates to a direction to provide advice or undertake reviews.
The Commissioner provides advice to the Minister, other Ministers and the Government about issues relating to pests and weeds, undertake reviews and publish reports about reviews.
Under the Act, the Commissioner has powers to require certain documents and information from government agencies to help perform these functions.
Biosecurity is a shared responsibility – having a Commissioner reviewing and providing independent advice as it relates to pests and weeds will drive accountability, clarify responsibilities, and foster continuous improvement to help ensure the framework is fit for purpose and protecting our primary industries, environment, and communities.
Independent Biosecurity Commissioner
In July 2024, Dr Marion Healy PSM was appointed as the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner on recommendation of the Minister.
Dr Healy holds a PhD in molecular genetics and has over fifteen years of experience as a senior executive officer in the Australian Public Service. For her outstanding public service to policy and regulatory practice Dr. Healy was awarded a Public Service Medal in 2021.
Dr Healy has held roles in three national regulatory bodies and subsequently participated in numerous expert boards and committees. Her experience focuses on the identification and management of risks that could threaten the health of Australia’s population, fauna, flora or environment, particularly in relation to the safety of Australia’s food supply and biosecurity risks to plant health.
Dr Healy is well-respected by her peers across government and industry and her biosecurity expertise will ensure Ministers and government are provided with high-quality advice to build and strengthen the resilience of primary industries and the environment.
Workplan of the Commissioner
The Commissioner’s workplan aligns to the statutory functions prescribed in the Biosecurity Act 2015 and includes:
- Providing advice to the Minister for Agriculture, or other Ministers and the Government about issues relating to pests and weeds;
- Undertaking reviews on issues relating to pests and weeds and preparing and publishing reports about the reviews;
- Monitoring issues relating to pests and weeds and identifying opportunities for improvement in biosecurity management;
- Promoting landholder coordinated and collaboration on pest and weed biosecurity management issues;
- Working closely with experts and key stakeholders on pest and weed biosecurity matters;
- Making recommendations about matters relating to the exercise of the Commissioner’s functions.
The Commissioner has commenced work with the initial focus areas being:
- Governance - Review and make recommendations on governance structures to optimise management of pests and weeds in NSW
- Communications - Review current arrangements and make recommendations aimed at improving communication to occupiers of land about their pest and weed obligations
- Enforcement - Considering issues that may be creating a perception of an inconsistent enforcement approach to pest and weed management and make recommendations for improvement
- Aboriginal involvement - Explore avenues to enhance the involvement of Aboriginal people in pest and weed management initiatives, fostering cultural engagement and sustainable practices.
The Commissioner is prioritising the review of governance of pest and weed management in NSW. See the Governance of pest and weed management in NSW for further information on this project.
Other matters may be referred to the Commissioner for review by the Minister for Agriculture. The Commissioner may identify other areas of review and will determine priorities accordingly.
Reports
The Commissioner will review relevant matters in consultation with relevant agencies and stakeholders. Reports and government responses will be published on the IBC website.
The Commissioner will provide an annual report to Parliament by 30 September each year, commencing September 2025.
Natural Resources Commission Invasive Species Management Review
The Natural Resources Commission has been tasked by the NSW Government to review the priority risks and impacts of invasive species in NSW, including the effectiveness of current management strategies.
Under the Terms of Reference for the review the Natural Resources Commission will provide advice to the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner on areas of further investigation regarding potential barriers to effective invasive species management.
The review will be completed late 2024. Further information on the review is available on the NRC website.
Contact
For enquiries related to the work of the Commissioner send an email to biosecurity.commissioner@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Further information
The Commissioner is committed to providing regular information on the progress of the workplan and regular updates will be provided on this webpage.