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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 1065 asked in the Legislative Council on 27 October 2022 by Hon Colin De Grussa

Parliament: 41 Session: 1

RECOGNISED BIOSECURITY GROUPS — 1080 BAITS

1065. Hon COLIN de GRUSSA to the Minister for Agriculture and Food:

I refer to the minister's response to question without notice 881 relating to recognised biosecurity groups, or RBGs.

(1) Has the Department for Primary Industries and Regional Development undertaken any investigations on whether RBGs are deemed as ''persons conducting businesses or undertakings'' within the meaning of the Work Health and Safety Act 2020, given that they engage licensed pest management technicians to undertake pest management activities?

(2) If no to (1), why not?

(3) If yes to (1), please outline the results of that investigation and any assistance provided by DPIRD to RBGs to meet their obligations under the act.

Hon ALANNAH MacTIERNAN replied:

I thank the member for the question.

(1)–(3) It is the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's view that recognised biosecurity groups are likely to be deemed as persons conducting businesses or undertakings. I have asked that legal advice be obtained to confirm this. DPIRD has provided support to RBGs to understand and manage their responsibilities under the new Work Health and Safety Act 2020. In September 2021, DPIRD organised for the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety to present to RBGs on the adoption of the new work health and safety laws. In consultation with the RBGs, DPIRD has developed a work health and safety management system template appropriate to RBG operations. Training has been provided to RBGs on how to implement and maintain the system.