Frequently asked questions about the BAM Act and WAOL

Page last updated: Friday, 11 May 2018 - 1:51pm

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Biosecurity Council

Q: What is the Biosecurity Council?

A: The Biosecurity Council of Western Australia (the Council) is a specialist advisory group to the Minister for Agriculture and Food and the Director General of DAFWA. The Council can advise on any matter related to biosecurity, whether referred to it by the Minister or the Director General or of its own motion. If appropriate, it can also advise other Minister’s on biosecurity issues.

The Council has four ordinary meetings per year, and DAFWA provides executive and administrative support.

For further information go to the Biosecurity Council page.

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Frequently asked questions about the BAM Act and WAOL

  1. About the BAM Act
    1. Q: Which Acts have been replaced by the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act?
    2. Q: Why do we need a new Act?
    3. Q: How is the BAM Act different from the Agriculture and Related Resources Protection Act (ARRPA)?
    4. Q: How has the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) consulted with key stakeholders during the development of the Regulations?
    5. Q: Why is it so important that we establish legislation to support sound biosecurity practices?
  2. Organism classifications
    1. Q: What is the scope of the biosecurity parts of the BAM Act?
    2. Q: How are declared pests categorised under the BAM Act?
  3. Biosecurity Council
    1. Q: What is the Biosecurity Council?
  4. Penalties and inspections
    1. Q: What penalties are proposed under the BAM Act?
    2. Q: What are modified penalties and how are they applied?
  5. Interstate trade
    1. Q: How will the Act affect interstate trade and the movement of goods and services?
  6. Industry standards
    1. Q: Does the BAM Act allow for the recognition of industry standards and quality assurance measures?
    2. Q: What role will sectors of agricultural industries have in the management of pests in Western Australia and what is an Industry Funding Scheme?
  7. Western Australian Organism List (WAOL)
    1. Q: How do I find out if the plant or animal I wish to import is allowed into Western Australia?
    2. Q: What is the Western Australian Organism List (WAOL) and how do I use it?
    3. Q: How do I find my plant or animal if I don’t know its scientific name?
    4. Q: WAOL says the species I want to import is a Prohibited Organism (s12) but says ‘Permit Required’. What does this mean?
    5. Q: WAOL says the species I want to import is a Permitted Organism (s11). What does this mean?
    6. Q: WAOL says the species I want to import is a Permitted Organism (r73). What does this mean?
    7. Q: WAOL says the species I want to import is a Declared Pest (s22). What does this mean?
    8. Q: If an organism is listed as permitted in WAOL and no permit is required, does this mean that I can bring it into Western Australia without any restrictions?
    9. Q: The species I’m interested in is not listed on WAOL, can I have it assessed?
    10. Q: How many species are there on WAOL?
    11. Q: Is there a process for the maintenance of WAOL over time?
  8. Sources of species names
    1. Q: Where can I find references for determining scientific names for organisms?
    2. Q: What can I do if I don’t have access to the internet? Can I still talk to an officer about pest animals?
  9. Permits and applications
    1. Q: Are permits required to import organisms and potential carriers from interstate?
    2. Q: If an organism is prohibited or restricted entry into Western Australia, can I import it for experimental purposes, export of processing?
    3. Q: Where do I get a permit to keep my bird?
    4. Q: Where do I obtain information about the keeping requirements for my aviary bird?
    5. Q: Who should I contact in DAFWA for permit applications?
  10. Diseases and risk analysis
    1. Q: How are diseases going to be managed under the BAM Act?
    2. Q: Will the BAM Act impact on how Plant Biosecurity officers conduct pest risk analysis?
  11. Veterinary chemical control
    1. Q: What is happening with veterinary chemicals?
  12. Animal feed controls
    1. Q: Why do we need controls on animal feeds?
    2. Q: What changes were introduced to the stock feed legislation?
  13. Agricultural chemical control
    1. Q: What changes are being made to agricultural chemical control?
    2. Q: Will aerial spray pilots still require licensing?
  14. Fertilisers
    1. Q: What has changed between the old Fertilizers Act and the new regulations?
    2. Q: Are there any other changes planned in the future?
  15. Chemical residues
    1. Q: Will there be adequate controls on persistent chemicals in soil such as dieldrin?
    2. Q: When purchasing land can I find out if there are any known persistent residues on a property?
    3. Q: As a livestock buyer will I be able to check the status of animals I wish to buy, to ensure they are suitable for my purposes?
    4. Q: Will our consumers and export markets be protected from chemical residues?
    5. Q: Were vendor declarations made mandatory?
    6. Q: Is the Soil and Land Conservation Act being replaced and, if not, why not? Why doesn’t the BAM Act deal with land conservation and land drainage?
  16. Stock identification
    1. Q: How are requirements for the identification and movement of stock dealt with under the BAM Act?
    2. Q: Will I still need to register a brand?
    3. Q: Will I still need to brand and earmark stock, even though I have my animals identified with NLIS devices or tags?
    4. Q: Will I still be able to get identification exemptions?
    5. Q: Will the BAM Act require NLIS electronic devices in all cattle?
    6. Q: Under the BAM Act will I still need waybills?
    7. Q: Is animal welfare part of the BAM Act?
  17. The future
    1. Q: How will the BAM Act meet the State’s future biosecurity needs?
  18. Further information
    1. Q: Where can I obtain more information about the BAM Act?
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