Biosecurity Act 2023

If a person applies for a biosecurity permit under section 63, or renewal under section 64, the director‑general must—

approve the application; or

refuse the application.

The director‑general may refuse the application if the director‑general is not satisfied that the applicant—

is a suitable person to engage in the conduct to be authorised by the permit; or

has the qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience to manage the biosecurity risk associated with the conduct to be authorised by the permit.

The director‑general may also refuse the application—

if satisfied that it would not be appropriate to issue, or renew, the permit because of an emergency; or

if satisfied that the biosecurity risk associated with the conduct to be authorised by the permit is unacceptable; or

on any grounds prescribed by regulation; or

for any other reason the director‑general considers appropriate.

The director‑general must give the applicant written notice of a decision to approve or refuse the application (a permit decision notice).

If the director‑general fails to give an applicant a permit decision notice within the period prescribed by regulation, the director‑general is taken to have refused the application.