Asking questions relating to biosecurity emergencies
450 Asking questions relating to biosecurity emergencies
During a biosecurity emergency period, the Agriculture Minister may require a person who the Minister suspects, on reasonable grounds, has information relevant to the biosecurity emergency to answer questions, or provide information in writing, in relation to the biosecurity emergency.
This power may be delegated and subdelegated (see sections 453 and 454).
A person may commit an offence or contravene a civil penalty provision if the person provides false or misleading information (see section 137.1 of the Criminal Code and section 532 of this Act).
A requirement imposed on a person under subsection (1) during a biosecurity emergency period continues to have effect, whether or not the period has ended, until:
the person complies with the requirement; or
the Agriculture Minister or a biosecurity officer informs the person that the answer or information is no longer required.
Fault‑based offence
A person commits an offence if:
the person is required to answer questions, or provide information in writing, under subsection (1); and
the person fails to comply with the requirement.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 300 penalty units, or both.
Civil penalty provision
A person who is required to answer questions, or provide information in writing, under subsection (1) must comply with the requirement.
Civil penalty: 120 penalty units.
This section is not subject to the privilege against self‑incrimination (see section 635).
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