Biosecurity Act 2014

A person may apply to the chief executive for a prohibited matter permit or restricted matter permit.

The application must—

be in the approved form; and

be accompanied by—

a permit plan for the prohibited matter or restricted matter under the proposed permit; and

the application fee prescribed under a regulation.

If the application is for a scientific research (prohibited matter) permit, there must be included with the application—

a document showing that the proposed dealings with prohibited matter will be conducted in a facility that has been approved, certified or registered to perform the dealings by an authority prescribed under a regulation; and

a detailed research proposal.

The applicant may withdraw the application at any time before the permit is issued.

The application fee that accompanied the application is not refundable if the applicant withdraws the application, or if the application is taken to be withdrawn under this chapter.

However, the chief executive may waive payment of the application fee if—

the chief executive is satisfied—

the proposed dealings with prohibited or restricted matter are aimed at controlling or eradicating the matter; and

the applicant will not derive any financial benefit from the dealings; and

the chief executive will be advised of the progress and outcomes of the dealings; or

the chief executive is satisfied there are exceptional circumstances for waiving payment of the fee.Example of an exceptional circumstance—Payment of the fee would cause, or would be likely to cause, the applicant financial hardship.